Beijing Alpine Skiing Youth Delegation Visits Nagano

A 15-member alpine skiing youth delegation of Beijing visited Nagano Prefecture, Japan, from January 28 to February 3. The two sides had a friendly exchange on sports.

During their visit to Japan, the delegation participated in alpine skiing training, got a hands-on experience with local ski slopes and facilities, and interacted with local middle school students. The delegation received a warm welcome from Mr. Shuichi Abe, governor of Nagano Prefecture.

Winter sports enjoy a long history in Nagano, which hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 1998. In an effort to promote winter sports, Beijing sets great score on the exchanges with Nagano Prefecture. In 2018, Beijing sent its first skiing youth delegation to Nagano to receive training and interact with local youngsters.

In 2023, Nagano Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association approached the BPAFFC about organizing another visit to Japan. A dedicated Japan-China skiing committee was established to take charge of this project. The BPAFFC then discussed with the Beijing Sports Federation, which coordinated the Beijing Snowsports Association to arrange for the visit of the alpine skiing youth delegation. The goal is to help Beijing improve performance in youth winter sports and promote youth exchanges on sports culture in the wake of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.