BEIJING, July 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has
a profound connection to the Olympic Movement. He has promoted
China's hosting of several
significant international sporting events, fostered global sports
exchanges and cooperation, and embodied the Olympic spirit through
his efforts.
From overseeing the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics to
leading China in successfully
hosting the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics and personally driving the
bid and preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Xi has
developed a profound bond with the Olympic Movement.
As the 2024 Summer Olympics opened in Paris, France, on Friday, let us explore five
key moments that highlight Xi's determination to support and
promote the development of the Olympic Games.
His actions and leadership have not only elevated China's status in the international sports
arena but also contributed to the promotion of the Olympic spirit
worldwide, aligning with his broader goal of building a community
of shared future for mankind.
Wishing Paris Olympic Games success when in
France
On May 6, 2024, during his visit
to France, Xi expressed his best
wishes for the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics and promoting
China-France sports exchanges.
In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi presented him with the 2008
Summer and 2022 Winter Beijing Olympic torches, symbolizing the
spirit of unity and friendship between the two countries. Macron,
in return, gifted Xi a Paris 2024
Olympic torch, signifying the mutual respect and camaraderie shared
between the two countries.
Xi emphasized that France is a
great sporting nation and expressed his heartfelt wish for the
success of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the ongoing exchanges
and cooperation between China and
France in the realm of sports.
This exchange of torches not only underscored the deepening of
bilateral ties but also reflected the two countries' shared
commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and
respect.
China supports France in hosting a successful Paris Olympic
Games and will send a high-level delegation to France, said the Chinese president.
Facilitating a splendid Beijing
2022 Winter Olympic Games
On February 4, 2022, Xi attended
the opening ceremony and announced the commencement of the
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
This event, which Xi personally facilitated and witnessed, was a
testament to China's dedication to
hosting a spectacular, extraordinary and remarkable Winter
Olympics.
"China will honor its
commitment to present to the world a simple, safe and splendid
Olympic Games," Xi said at that time.
His leadership ensured that the event was organized safely and
splendidly, providing a stage for athletes worldwide to showcase
their skills and boosting global confidence and morale during the
pandemic.
The Beijing Winter Olympics, with its unique blend of Chinese
cultural elements and Olympic spirit, left a lasting impression on
the world. The successful hosting of the 2022 Winter Games
demonstrated China's ability to
deliver on its promises, despite the challenges posed by the global
pandemic.
The 2022 Games not only highlighted China's growing prowess in winter sports but
also showcased the country's commitment to environmental
sustainability through the use of green technology and venues.
A true champion in promoting the Olympic Movement
On January 18, 2017, Xi became the
first Chinese head of state to visit the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
This visit underscored China's
commitment to the Olympic Movement and its values. During the
visit, Xi toured the Olympic Museum, viewed exhibits showcasing the
history and achievements of Chinese athletes, and engaged in
discussions with IOC President Thomas
Bach.
In a memorable moment, Xi stood on an Olympic podium,
symbolizing China's significant
contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bach praised Xi, stating
that in terms of promoting the Olympic Movement, Xi was a true
Olympic champion. Xi's visit to the IOC headquarters reinforced his
commitment to promoting the Olympic spirit and advancing global
sports cooperation.
The visit also included the presentation of a Suzhou Embroidery
artwork entitled Ladies Playing Football, symbolizing the
historical connection between China and sports.
Dedicated to nurturing young talent, promoting youth
sports
On August 15, 2014, Xi visited the
training center of the Youth Olympic Village in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, the host city for the 2014
Summer Youth Olympics, where he warmly greeted the Chinese
delegation participating in the Games.
Xi's presence at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games highlighted his
dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting youth sports,
underscoring the importance of international sports exchanges for
young athletes.
During his visit, Xi observed various sports, including
basketball, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, and boxing. He engaged in
conversations with the athletes, offering words of encouragement
and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and international
friendship.
Xi said that the Youth Olympics is an initiative which
integrates culture and education into sports, and it's not only an
arena in which young athletes compete but also a platform for
communication among them.
Crucial role in 2008 Beijing Olympics milestone
During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Xi played a crucial
role as he oversaw the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics.
His leadership and efforts were instrumental in the successful
hosting of the Games, which marked a significant milestone in
China's sports history.
The Beijing 2008 Olympics
showcased China's organizational
capabilities and its commitment to the Olympic ideals of peace,
friendship, and progress.
This event also served as a catalyst for the development of
sports in China and strengthened
the country's ties with the global sports community.
The Beijing 2008 Olympics were
notable for the spectacular opening ceremony, which showcased
China's rich cultural heritage and
technological advancements.
The Games were also a platform for Chinese athletes to excel, as
China topped the gold medal tally
for the first time in its Olympic history.
These Olympic moments reveal Xi's deep commitment to sports and
his vision of fostering global unity through the Olympic
Movement.
Xi's engagement with the Olympics reflects a strategic approach
to promoting sports worldwide, enhancing China's soft power and promoting international
cooperation and understanding.
Through these efforts, Xi has shown how sports can transcend
national boundaries and bring people together, embodying the true
spirit of the Olympic Movement.
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SOURCE Global Times