Chinese students are being encouraged to submit their designs for a Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics mascot. 

The Ministry of Education and the organizing committee of the Games launched the initiative on Wednesday.

"We hope to attract more young people to keep a close eye on the Winter Olympics," said Chang Yu, the committee's spokesman.

Before Oct 31, primary and secondary students across the country can submit designs to the committee's social media accounts or through their schools to the provincial education authorities.

The 100 best mascot designs will be recommended to the organizing committee.