Beijing showcasing winter sports

Beijing is ramping up its bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics with a series of international sports competitions and promotional events, seeking to stir public support and cement its status as the front-runner to hold the Games.

The freestyle skiing World Cup event in Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium on the weekend was the first of six winter sports competitions in the capital city and Shanghai. Skating events make up most of the remainder.

Another six activities are being held to rev up interest in the Olympic bid among the public, including a mass participation event on World Skiing Day in January, said Zhao Yinggang, the sports ministry's head of winter sports.