After months of expectation and secrecy, the official mascot (吉祥物) of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games－a giant panda-inspired cartoon character－made its first public debut with cheers at Beijing's Shougang Ice Hockey Arena.
The panda is named "Bing Dwen Dwen" in Chinese. Bing means "ice" in Chinese, while Dwen Dwen suggests "health and cleverness"－characteristics also shared by pandas. Pandas are perhaps the most recognized animal species in China, organizers said.
"Pandas combine China's traditional culture and its modern appearance together with winter sports elements in a fascinating image (形象) that shows our great expectations for the Games and shows that we welcome the world," said Beijing Mayor Chen Jining, who also serves as an executive president on the organizing committee.
"I have already seen the mascot and from what I've seen, it's a wonderful choice," IOC President Thomas Bach said before introducing the character." "The mascot really takes in the best elements and characteristics of China and the Chinese people. It will be a great ambassador (大使) for the country and the 24th Winter Olympics."
The ring of light surrounding the mascot's face is suggestive of ice and snow tracks, as well as the flowing "ribbons" of the National Speed Skating Oval. The oval is one of two new competition sites in downtown Beijing expected to become a landmark of the Games, according to its chief designer Cao Xue.
The introduction of the mascots marks the key point of a journey that began in August 2018, when Beijing organizers started a global design competition for the mascots. A total of 5,816 designs were received from 35 countries, and were reviewed by Chinese and international experts in a comprehensive evaluation and selection process.
The new mascot will serve as spirited symbol of the Games that will take place in the three zones of downtown Beijing, the suburban district of Yanqing and co-host city Zhangjiakou in surrounding Hebei province.
