Intro:

Beijing 2022 Olympics ambassador Song Andong -- who plays for the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League -- discusses the Chinese capital's bid to host the Winter Olympic Games before Friday's vote.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Song Andong, NHL hockey player and ambassador of Beijing 2022:

"After hearing the idea I was very excited. It's a dream for any athlete to compete in Olympics and it's a special honour to be able to do it in your country and the city you grow up. So when I first heard the idea that China will put in a bid, especially Beijing, I was really excited and I felt I have the opportunity."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Song Andong, NHL hockey player and ambassador of Beijing 2022:

"I think the problem right now is to get more people to get involved with the sport. After I was being drafted, I felt that I have a big population behind me, and the younger generation - the kids - have grown up and they can participate in the sport. Again with hockey, just get the momentum of the sport going. I think that will develop the sport as a whole and we will really grow into one of the powerhouses, hopefully."