INTERNATIONAL: The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) President , Yao Ming says the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics will be a grand gathering for global athletes to enjoy themselves and make friends, during a forum with Chinese and foreign journalists in Beijing.

The Olympic Games is not only about the sports, it’s about different cultures, different people from all over the world gather together in one place. So, it’s all about friendship.

According to the president of Chinese Basketball Association, Yao Ming, who played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association and the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association, the primary purpose of the upcoming Winter Olympics is a grand gathering for global athletes to have fun.

For every Olympian, no matter where he or she comes from, the participation itself is a very exciting experience in life. And winning the medal is an additional gain.

Yao, who is also a winter sports promotion ambassador for Beijing 2022, has started the forum with his trademark sense of humor. "I want to skate but am having a hard time finding gear that fits me," quipped Yao, who stands 2.26-meter tall, or towering 7.4 feet.

A Shanghai native, Yao didn't see much snow or ice during his childhood. However, the Chinese basketball legend was a presenter during Beijing's bid for the 2022 Games in 2015. Honored but hesitating at the invitation, he has recalled how he was inspired to assume the role by China's Olympic journey, with the country sending its first athlete in 1932, winning its first Olympic gold medal in 1984, and hosting the 2008 Olympics.

Yao Ming has said the past 14 years has seen not only changes in his identities, but also the development of the sports industry and the whole society's attitudes towards sports through the holding of the Olympic Games.

Discussing the preparations for the Winter Olympics, Yao has said that all preparatory work has been well organized despite the lingering threat of COVID-19.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games coincide with the Chinese New Year. Being the promotion ambassador for the winter Olympics, Yao said the coming Winter Games will be an exciting occasion shared by athletes and spectators from all over the world.

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics will kick off on February 4, the fifth day of the week-long Spring Festival holiday.