The BAC has been commissioned by both the British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) to offer additional, independent support to athletes who will compete for Great Britain in the forthcoming Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.This agreement replicates the one put in place for the recent Tokyo 2020 Games, during which the BAC’s remote support to athletes complemented the support network provided by Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the ground in Japan, and ensured that athletes had several avenues through which to raise concerns or report issues.As with Tokyo, this level of support for British athletes heading to a Winter Games is the first of its kind, and represents genuine progress with regards to athlete welfare, according to BAC Chair Vicki Aggar.She said:“We’re very pleased to again be commissioned by the BOA and BPA to deliver what we believe is an invaluable service to our athletes. We heard – both during and after the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics – how much athletes valued and appreciated being provided with an additional layer of support, and we hope this will provide similar reassurance to those competing in Beijing.“The BAC is proud to play a significant part in developments around athlete welfare in Britain, and we look forward to working with the BOA and BPA over the coming weeks, to ensure that British athletes in Beijing receive the highest possible level of support.”Georgie Harland, Team GB Beijing 2022 Chef de Mission, said:“For Team GB there is no greater priority than the welfare of our athletes, which is why we are delighted to be working with the BAC once again to ensure that we are able to offer independent support to all athletes that will travel to Beijing 2022 with us.“The welfare of the entire Team GB delegation is at the heart of our planning and the support the BAC will provide alongside the support system already delivered by the BOA will prove to be invaluable.”Phil Smith, ParalympicsGB Beijing 2022 Chef de Mission, added:“Athlete welfare continues to be at the heart of our planning and preparation as we work towards the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and I am delighted that the BAC has once again taken the steps to provide an independent layer of support to all the athletes involved.“We have a variety of strategies in place to ensure athletes and staff are supported before, during and after the Games and the support offered by the BAC is undoubtedly a valuable addition to this, and underlines the strength of the continued relationship between the BPA and the BAC.”The BAC, BOA and BPA are working closely together to ensure that athletes receive the most comprehensive level of support possible, with exact details of the offering still being finalised and due to be communicated to athletes in due course.The Olympic Winter Games take place between February 4 and 20 and the Paralympics between March 4 and 13, with approximately 100 athletes expected to represent Team GB and ParalympicsGB over the two Games.