The National Aquatics Center in Beijing turned blue on April 2 to mark World Autism Awareness Day, calling for greater understanding of, respect for and confidence in children with autism and their families.
This is the 12th time that the dual-Olympic venue, also known as the "Water Cube" or "Ice Cube," co-organizes the annual "Light it Blue" event. The venue has hosted forums, gatherings and art fairs every year since 2011 and also established a public welfare platform to provide assistance to autistic children via over 10 charities and civil society organizations.
Given the current resurgence in COVID-19 cases, this year's event is held both in person and virtually. The National Speed Skating Oval is also getting involved, organizing autism friendly events on the same day.
Activities include an online campaign calling for more care for children with autism, a forum centered on the Olympic spirits and lifelong support for people with special needs, and an art show themed "Love Under the Blue Sky: A Shared Future." A public welfare-themed online workout session will also be held this year.
Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impacts the nervous system. Despite this, autistic children are often referred to as "children from the stars" in China. Current estimates suggest that there are more than 10 million people with autism spectrum disorders in China, including two million children.
Aftering hosting curling events during Beijing 2022, the venue is set to open to the public in April, which is in keeping with the sustainability pledges of the Winter Games. The underground ice sports center on the south side of the Ice Cube will be opened to the public for the first time in May, and the venue is scheduled to be transformed back into a "Water Cube" swimming pool in June.
