Beijing, Europe Brief News – The Beijing Winter Olympics came to a close on Sunday in a touching ceremony.
A stunning ceremony took place at the Bird’s Nest stadium, marking the end of the Winter Olympics Games.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was on hand for the snowflake-themed ceremony.
Sunday night’s ceremony started by a 90-second fireworks display that spelled out “one world, one family”, followed by a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach described the Beijing Games as “truly exceptional” before declaring them closed.
“This unifying power of the Olympic Games is stronger than the forces that want to divide us,” he said.
Bach said the athletes had “given peace a chance,” with his comments coming amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
“Each and every one of you strived to achieve your personal best. We feel deeply touched how you were wishing and cheering for your competitors to achieve their best as well,” he said.
“You not only respected each other: you embraced each other, even if your countries suffer conflict.”
Almost 3,000 athletes competed in 109 events across 15 disciplines during the past two weeks.
The Beijing Winter Olympics was held amid a diplomatic boycott from several Western nations, citing China’s human rights abuses and ‘ongoing genocide‘ of the Uyghur population.
The US administration said it will not send an official US delegation. It will however support Team USA, so they don’t prevent athletes from competing.
Washington wants to send a message of disapproval over the genocide in Xinjiang.
There have been reports of torture, forced sterilisation, and sexual violence against the minority community.
Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada also joined the US in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
