Foreign Influencers Overwhelmed by User-Friendly Design Details in Winter Olympic Venues

On September 14, during the Beijing 2022 Games Tour, foreign social media influencers from Brazil, Venezuela, Georgia, Russia, and other countries visited the National Speed Skating Oval (aka the Ice Ribbon) and the China Administration of Sport for Persons with Disabilities (CASPD).

Ice Ribbon: Small Details in Great Wisdom

Egyptian vlogger Wang Mulin records a short video in the National Speed Skating Oval. [Photo by Hu Xiaomeng]

The National Speed Skating Oval is full of technology highlights as shown by the full-ice-surface design focusing on long-term and sustainable operation, as well as green, eco-friendly, and smart venue construction, and other concepts. The skating oval uses carbon dioxide trans-critical direct cooling ice-making system and it is the first Winter Olympics venue that uses direct carbon dioxide evaporation for refrigeration. The use of carbon dioxide refrigerant adds to the environment-friendliness of the Ice Ribbon. Besides minimizing damage to the environment, the Ice Ribbon has increased the energy efficiency by more than 20 percent compared with conventional ice rinks, making it a leading example of energy conservation and environmental protection. Abdelaziz Ahmed Abdelaziz Mahmoud Sallam, or Wang Mulin as his Chinese name, a vlogger from Egypt, believes that the use of carbon dioxide for ice-making is in line with China's commitment to hosting a "Green Olympics". He said that China has set an example in making people's production and lifestyle more low-carbon and eco-friendly through the application of science and technology.

"Heating vents are installed under every row of benches to enhance spectators' games-watching experience at the bleachers. A blue soundproof wall is also set up above the venue, not only makes the National Speed Skating Oval looks better, but also ensure the sound absorption indoors," Mulin said. In his opinion, once China decides to do something, it will do it meticulously and ingeniously, and the details of the National Speed Skating Oval are the best proof. "Many designs in the Olympic venues are unprecedented. Beijing will definitely bring the world a special and exciting Olympics," he said.

Training Hall Takes Accessibility to Heart for Athletes with Disabilities

Foreign influencers listen to briefing given by the staff at CASPD. [Photo by Hu Xiaomeng]

"There are both upper and lower buttons outside the elevator, so people with disabilities can push the elevator button with their feet. Mirrors are installed inside the elevator, which is convenient for them to view their surrounding environment. Corners of furniture are rounded to prevent them from injuries. Handles of windows are lowered and easy to reach. There are so many details. Very considerate!" Tamar Kvlividze, a vlogger from Georgia, raved about the details at CASPD.

The ice sports competition training hall is the first professional arena in China dedicated to ice sports training for people with disabilities. It adopts a full-flat design, and all floors inside are leveled, without bumps or height differences, making it easily accessible to people with disabilities. CASPD has embraced the concept of barrier-free everywhere: from athletes' apartments, restrooms, to training hall. 　

Tamar interacts via video call with Wang Meng, the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic champion. [Photo by Hu Xiaomeng]

The foreign influencers also interacted with Wang Meng, the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic champion via video call, focusing on athletes with disabilities and promoting ice sports for people with disabilities. Wang Meng hoped people will pay more attention to athletes with disabilities who have yet succeeded and consider their living conditions after retirement. Besides that, people with disabilities who have not been exposed to sports also need their care. As for how to promote ice sports for people with disabilities, Wang Meng suggested that more promotion should be given to the disabled community and more barrier-free facilities should be provided for them to enjoy the ice sports.

(Note: Content source is from CRI Online.)