China has established itself as a key player in the Olympic Movement over the past three decades. This is evidenced by its hundreds of medals, its hosting of the Summer Games in 2008, the Youth Olympic Games in 2014, and the Winter Games in 2022, as well as its significant economic involvement. Kirsty Coventry's trip to China, accompanied by her predecessor Thomas Bach, was not without significance. The IOC President began her visit by attending the opening ceremony of the National Games in Guangzhou on November 9, alongside President Xi Jinping. This was a testament to mutual respect and enduring collaboration.
Pampering TOP partners
The IOC president had a series of meetings. After the National Games, she met with Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group (CMG), to sign their final agreement on media rights for the 2026-2032 Olympic Games. We welcome the strong partnership between CMG and the IOC. It has grown stronger over the years and I hope it will continue to do so. “,” said the IOC president, encouraged by the deployment of a 500-person team by the Chinese group for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. She also met with Xi Yanchun, vice-president of the Xinhua news agency, before attending meetings in Hangzhou, Hohhot, and Shenzhen with global Olympic partners TCL, Mengniu, and Alibaba.
« They all mentioned values that are perfectly aligned with the Olympic Movement: inspiring greatness, working together and wanting to achieve the impossible, whether it be Alibaba with AI and technology, TCL with its incredible new screen and AI technology, or Mengniu and its commitment to nutrition and healthy lifestyles. explains the former swimmer. Our TOP partners are among the most important Olympic stakeholders. Spending time here to better understand the direction our partners wish to take, the opportunities they foresee, and how they envision our collaboration in the future has therefore been very informative. »
"An even brighter future"
Visiting China allows for more direct dialogue and stronger relationships. It's also a sign of respect, which will help strengthen these partnerships. And this is essential, because China's influence has grown significantly since the departure of its Japanese partners.
« China plays an extremely important role within the Olympic Movement, confirms Kirsty Coventry, who welcomed the state's commitment. I would like to thank you for the support your country has given to the IOC throughout these years. I am committed to continuing this highly fruitful collaboration. We particularly appreciate China's considerable efforts to enable young people to participate in sports. This bodes well for an even brighter future for China. »
President Xi Jinping assured that China, which hosted the World Games this summer, was willing to further strengthen its cooperation with the IOC. China has always practiced, preserved and defended the Olympic spirit with conviction "He affirms. Receiving the current president and the honorary president of the IOC suggests equally promising days ahead.
