Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, gave the European Olympic Committees (EOC) an update on the major progress that has been made in preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Friday he told the general assembly meeting in Istanbul that Sochi 2014 is firmly on track and within budget.
Chernyshenko said, “overall the Sochi 2014 project is firmly on track and within budget. The design works for seven venues have already been completed. Almost 100 percent of the land for sports venues – both in the coastal and mountain clusters, has been allocated. This is about 850 hectares of land. I can confirm that all projects will be under construction by next summer in order to host the first test events on schedule in 2012”.
Chernyshenko highlighted the environmental and education legacy that Sochi 2014 would leave behind. Chernyshenko said, “the Russian Government has already launched the Environment Program for Sochi 2014. Another environmental initiative is the initiative to re-introduce the Snow Leopard to the Caucasus Mountains. This is under the personal supervision of Prime Minister Putin and Jean-Claude Killy.
Sochi 2014’s sustainable legacy is also demonstrated by creation of the Russian Olympic University in Sochi. This university will become a world centre of learning for the sports and events industry”, he said.
Meanwhile Russia reportedly plans to review spending on the 2014 Games because of the global economic downturn. Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of preparations for the Games said Friday, “not one of the venues from the program is being taken out but we have set a target of saving some money”.
Georgia reportedly was rebuffed Friday in its bid to get the 2014 Games moved out of Sochi for security reasons. The Georgian national Olympic committee raised the issue after Chernyshenko’s presentation.
The Georgian delegation said Sochi was in the middle of a “very dangerous” region and questioned whether Olympic athletes and spectators would be safe.
Patrick Hickey, president of the European Olympic body, cut in to respond instead of Chernyshenko. He said, “we have great respect for your country, but this is an organization for sport and not for politics. We cannot discuss these issues. You’ve had your say. The IOC is very satisfied with the guarantees given by the Russian NOC, the organizing committee and the Russian government”.
