Athens, 18 Jan (Xinhua) -- In a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters in Athens, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spieros Caplalos said that by hosting the Winter Olympics, China has demonstrated its commitment to the Olympic ideal.
Data chart: On October 13, 2021, The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Capralos, opened the photo exhibition of the 2022 Winter Olympics Culture Global Tour in Beijing. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Marios Rollos)
"China['s efforts] show that by focusing on our shared values, the power of sport can bring us closer together." He said.
A former Greek water polo player, Capralos has served as president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee since 2009. In the interview, he praised the epidemic prevention measures taken by the Beijing Winter Olympic Organizing Committee to ensure the smooth holding of the first Winter Olympic Games since the new crown epidemic, and believed that China could hold a safe and successful Winter Olympics at a time when the epidemic was still raging.
Capralos said the Beijing Winter Olympics will continue to demonstrate the determination of the Olympic Movement to lead mankind to overcome obstacles, and athletes and entourage must abide by the strict epidemic prevention measures introduced by the Beijing Winter Olympics. "China is doing a lot of preparatory work for the Winter Olympics and trying to prevent the spread of the virus from all kinds of problems that may occur."
"I am impressed by the determination and motivation shown by every Chinese citizen to host the most successful Olympic Games, and we look forward to using the amazing energy and willpower of the Chinese people to experience a great Winter Olympics." Caplalos said.
Caplalos stressed that Beijing is the world's first "double Olympic" city, which is a "historic moment" for the Olympic movement. "We can learn a lot from China, and we are honored to have the opportunity to experience Chinese culture during the Winter Olympics and learn about different aspects of China's amazing civilization."
Data chart: On September 17, 2019, The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Capralos, delivered a speech at the ignition ceremony of the 2020 Lausanne Winter Youth Olympic Games. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Marios Rollos)
At the same time, as a member of the International Olympic Committee, Capralos has a deep feeling for the mission of the Olympic Games and its impact on the world. "The Olympics will once again teach us the important Olympic values of solidarity, fair play, respect and friendship, especially in the difficult environment we face together, which are even more important."
From an environmental perspective, Capralos believes that the Beijing Winter Olympics will be one of the greenest Olympic Games in history. For example, he said, he impressed that, under the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee's sustainable development plan, several venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics would be reused for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
"It is clear that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Organizing Committee is prioritizing environmental protection, resource conservation and eco-friendliness. I hope that China's strategy will lead the future and bring about changes in the whole process of hosting the Olympic Games. Capralos said.
At the end of the interview, Capralos used Chinese to send his blessings to the Beijing Winter Olympics: "Together we will bless the future, bless China, and bless Beijing!" ”
Editors: Ding Wenxian, Huang Xuguo, Wu Junkuan, Du Qiuyu (Intern)