The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave Sochi 2014 a passing grade, following its final inspection ahead of the Games in February.
The IOC declared Russia’s “magnificent” Olympic venues in Sochi were ready for the 2014 Games, adding it was satisfied that a recent law on homosexuality passed by Russia did not violate the Olympic charter.
IOC coordination committee chairman Jean-Claude Killy said at the committee’s final conference, “everything is really magnificent. Sochi is not late by any means”. He added that only “details” remain to be completed and called on Russian organizers to use “every hour that remains”.
Killy said, “we often say that there is no time to waste as the clock ticks down to the Opening Ceremony, and this still stands true. But to see how far the local organizers have come over the last six years is quite simply remarkable – the competition venues are ready, the spirit of the Games is awakening here, and the athletes, spectators and all others who visit next February can expect a fabulous experience”.
As for Russia’s controversial law banning so-called “gay propaganda”, AAP reports Killy said, “as long as the Olympic Charter is respected, we are satisfied”.