The Beijing Winter Olympics are fast approaching as they kick off this Friday. While Nottingham is over 8,000 km from Northern China, here’s five reasons you can still enjoy watching the games here in the city.
Places to watch the games
Nottingham is home to a number of great sports bars and pubs that show live sport. While it is assumed they only show the traditional sports of football, rugby and cricket, they actually show a wide range of sports – including the Winter Olympics.
Places such as Shooters, Huddl, and Route One will be showing live coverage of the games throughout its two weeks. Each offer the opportunity to grab a drink and some food, while watching the winter sports amongst others in an exciting atmosphere.
Nottingham’s athletes
The city of Nottingham is home to a long list of athletes and this Winter Olympics is no different. Despite representing Spain, Ice Skater Olivia Smart was born in England and lived in the country for a number of years.
She trained in Nottingham at the National Ice Centre, competing in national and international competitions. Before deciding to represent Spain she nurtured her skills right in the city.
Speed skater, Niall Treacy, has also been training at the National Ice Centre for past four years leading up to the games. Treacy will be competing in 1000m race for Team GB.
A great reason to watch the games is to follow the athletes and support the people who have embraced the city alongside you.
Nottingham’s teams
Nottingham has a variety of sports that are part of the Olympic Games, such as curling, figure skating and speed skating.
Following the games may introduce you to new sports, teaching you about them and even inspiring you to join one of the teams in the city.
It is important people remain active and healthy, and participating in winter sports is a great way to do so.
People joining such teams is also a way for niche sports to grow and offer additional opportunities to the city.
Medals and views
The last winter games took place in 2018, where Team GB won five medals- one gold and four bronze.
This years team is hopeful to win more than in South Korea and claim more medals than in any other games.
If the team can win more medals, the government is likely to fund more money into winter sports, which will filter down to teams in Nottingham.
The government will also make this decision based on viewing figures and participation. Medals along with your support will help the winter sports grow in Nottingham.
Legacy
While five medals at the last winter games is impressive for a country who lacks snow and doesn’t have wide participation in winter sports, it is far fewer than what Team GB generally achieve in the Summer Olympics.
Watching the games to learn about them could lead to you consistently following and/or playing a new winter sport. This again would help the niche sports grow.
With Nottingham home to the National Ice Centre and a number of athletes training there, the city has great potential to create a legacy and become the focal point of winter sports in the UK.
So get supporting and watching the games!
