(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach predicts the mascots for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be a big hit across China.
"I'm sure that all Chinese people will love this mascot," said Bach during a visit to Beijing for the unveiling.
The Olympic mascot Bing Dwen Dwen has the look of a panda while the rosy-cheeked Paralympic mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon is dressed in a red snow suit, the design based on a Chinese lantern.
"Today is an important step on Beijing's journey to make history as the first city ever in Olympic history to host both summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games," Bach is quoted by Chinese press.
"The launch of the mascot today will generate even more interest for these Games, especially among young people," he said.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons says the mascot for the Winter Paralympics will be part of the inspiration the games will deliver.
"It's a message of the future to the future generation of Chinese people who will be inspired by the amazing faith of the Paralympic athletes," Parsons said.
Bach says the coming of the 2022 Olympics and Paralympics is awakening interest from China in winter sports.
"There are more and more sporting facilities in and around Beijing that are opening ahead of these Games where people can enjoy and practice winter sport. Everywhere you go, you can feel the excitement and the anticipation that the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 are generating already today," said the IOC leader.
While in Beijing Bach took part in a ceremony to award the Pierre De Coubertin Medal to artist Fan Yang, who is recognized for his sports-themed art.
Reported by Ed Hula.
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