China to set up new mechanisms to promote winter sports

The General Administration of Sport of China announced on Monday that it would adjust and enrich the leadership of the Winter Sports Management Center, and schedule preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics and popularization of winter sports.

The administration will innovate and create three mechanisms. First, winter sports will be strongly encouraged so as to pool the energy of all sides to prepare for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Second, 300 million people will be inspired to join winter sports by local governments, sports departments at all levels, mass winter sports organizations, winter sports enterprises and other institutions. During the process, the inter-ministerial joint conference system for public fitness will play an important role as well. Third, winter sports talents will be recruited both directly by the GASC and recommended by sports centers and associations.

"The new leadership of the Winter Sports Management Center should be more open, braver and act more quickly. Once they spot a good opportunity, they should have the guts to have a try, being an active explorer and doer in sports reform," said Gou Zhongwen, minister of the General Administration of Sport of China.