Figure skating legends inspire youth at Olympic Day event

A figure skating public welfare class, held at the National Speed Skating Oval on Sunday to commemorate Olympic Day, became a platform for inspiration and skill-building for young enthusiasts.

Former Team China figure skater Tong Jian, a two-time world champion in figure skating pairs alongside his partner Pang Qing, and Russian international coach Andrei Lazukin, took the lead in guiding the eager students through ice skating exercises. Their hands-on approach not only showcased the intricacies of the sport but also nurtured a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.

Organized by the Beijing Olympic City Development Association, the event sought to ignite a passion for winter sports among children, emphasizing the health benefits and joy that sports bring. This initiative stands as a pivotal move by the association to foster national fitness and instill Olympic values in the younger generation.

Tong expressed his joy at witnessing the enthusiasm of numerous children for figure skating, envisioning a future where more youth embrace winter sports. Through the continuation of such public welfare classes, he aims to cultivate a generation deeply connected to the Olympic spirit.

The collaborative efforts of the Beijing Olympic City Development Association and The Pang and Tong Jian Skating and Art Center underscore a commitment to promoting and popularizing winter sports. Their shared goal is to offer young individuals the opportunity to learn directly from elite coaches, fostering a collective advancement in the realm of winter sports development.