Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics official says pandemic is biggest challenge to Games

FILE PHOTO: People wearing face masks following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak are seen near the lit-up Olympic rings at top of the Olympic Tower, a year ahead of the opening of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, in Beijing, China February 4, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) - Zhang Jiandong, a senior official with the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, said on Wednesday that Beijing is prepared for the Games but that the COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge they face.

Zhang was speaking at a news briefing held as the 100 day countdown to the Games begins in Beijing.