SHIJIAZHUANG－With the 2022 Olympics just around the corner, winter sports are becoming more popular among public schools in Tangshan, Hebei province, with added programs such as curling and hockey, along with the establishment of varsity sports teams.

Jianggezhuang Middle School is one such institution. Located in the outskirts of Laoting, it has more than 1,000 students. In October, it built a 230-square-meter ice stadium for curling. The school's principal, Fu Yongguo, says that building the stadium was only the beginning. He says he wants students from the school to benefit from having a curling program.

"Students used to stay inside all the time during winter," says Duo Jin, head coach of the school's curling team, as he demonstrates how to deliver a stone. "But it's not the case anymore. They are very excited to check out the new stadium."

Yanjing Elementary School in Tangshan city is another example. It's among the first schools to have developed a winter sports program, and now it has a hockey and a speed skating team. At a recent provincial winter sports meet, Yanjing Elementary's hockey team came a creditable second.

So far, eight schools in Tangshan offer such programs.

Besides constructing new stadiums and developing athletic programs, schools in Tangshan are providing their teachers with lessons to become licensed winter sports instructors.

There has also been an increase in the number of winter sports meets. More than 2,100 students are now able to participate in curling matches, ice skating, hockey games and other sports.

On July 31, 2015, Beijing was awarded the 24th Winter Olympics. A total of 102 events across 15 sports will take place in Beijing and Zhangjiakou in Hebei between Feb 4 and Feb 20, 2022.

Xinhua