On September 15, 2023, the World Winter Sports (Beijing) Expo 2023 (WWSE) commenced with its Opening Ceremony & Main Conference at Shougang Park in Beijing. This three-day event centered around the theme "Forging Ahead" and featured exhibitions, forums, and supporting activities aimed at advancing the development of winter sports, promoting international collaboration within the ice and snow industry, and continually increasing the industry's value. Asia Digital Group organized this prestigious event.

Emphasizing internationalization, specialization, and popularization, this edition of WWSE further solidified the integration of global ice and snow resources. Over 450 brands from more than 20 countries and regions, including Austria, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, France, Japan, and Slovenia, showcased their captivating offerings in the realm of ice and snow.

The first day of WWSE witnessed speeches by distinguished dignitaries during the Opening Ceremony & Main Conference. Notable guests included Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC); Chang Wei, Secretary of the CPC Shijingshan District Committee of Beijing Municipality; Ivo Ferriani, Member of the IOC Executive Board and President of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), the SportAccord, and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, among others.

Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, lauded Shougang Park as one of the most iconic venues of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games and commended it as a shining example of sustainable development and transformation of Olympic legacies. Hosting this expo elevates the legacy of Beijing 2022 and offers an excellent opportunity to shape the future of winter sports in China and globally.

Secretary Chang Wei highlighted Shijingshan's role as a demonstration district in China, involving 300 million people in winter sports, and embracing both the Olympic Summer and Winter Games. In the post-Winter Olympic era, Shijingshan aims to preserve Olympic legacies and stimulate innovation in the ice and snow industry, contributing to its growth as a fashionable emerging sports hub with a focus on ice and snow.

President Ivo Ferriani stressed the importance of sustainable development in the post-Winter Olympic era. He emphasized the need for investments in promoting ice and snow activities, enhancing winter sports infrastructure, and prioritizing environmental responsibility, including the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Additionally, video keynote speeches were delivered by prominent figures in various winter sports organizations, including Einars Fogelis, President of the International Luge Federation; Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski Federation; Luc Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation; Beau Welling, President of the World Curling Federation; and Olle Dahlin, President of the International Biathlon Union.

The event also highlighted the fruitful exchange between China and Italy in preparation for the Olympic Winter Games, resulting in significant achievements in sports collaboration, economic cooperation, trade, and academic exchanges. Valerio Malfatto, Founder of the Jam Session Ski Academy in Italy, Italian National Coach, and Celebrity with Over One Million Followers, delivered a speech titled "2022-2026 Olympic Winter Games, Strengthening the Bond Between China and Italy Through Sport," fostering a deeper connection between the two nations in the realm of the Olympic Winter Games.

A summit dialogue on Green Development and Social Responsibilities of the Winter Sports Industry featured distinguished guests who discussed topics such as green technology innovation, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development. They emphasized the importance of public involvement in winter sports, the establishment of green standards for venue construction and operation, the economic transformation driven by winter sports, and international and domestic industry exchange and cooperation in environmentally-friendly ice and snow activities.

The Main Conference concluded with the establishment ceremony of the Global Ice and Snow Industry Alliance, signifying its commitment to connecting resources across the entire industry chain, fostering resource sharing, and serving as a crucial bridge between production, supply, and sales enterprises in the industry.

The afternoon of September 15 featured speeches from officials and leaders who highlighted the progress and potential in the ice and snow industry. They emphasized the transformative impact of winter sports, particularly in promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering social and cultural development. Beijing's commitment to enhancing citizens' participation in winter sports, collaboration with domestic and international ice and snow enterprises, and stimulating ice and snow tourism were also discussed.

In addition to the speeches, the event included a roundtable discussion on the socioeconomic effects of winter sports, where experts shared insights on the positive influence of sports on college students' health and engagement, the role of sports in fostering friendships and cultural exchange, the tourism impacts of winter sports, and the integration of ice and snow activities into culture and tourism.

Throughout the Opening Ceremony, officials and leaders visited various exhibition booths, demonstrating their appreciation for the preparations and their support for the ice and snow industry's development. These visits included booths representing countries and regions, as well as industry leaders and organizations involved in ice and snow activities and technology.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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