During a “farewell” ceremony organized by the Russian Olympic Committee for the Russian Olympic Team participating in the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government and head of the Government Committee in charge of assisting Sochi 2014’s bid committee, emphasized how Russia’s deep-rooted passion for the Olympic Winter Games and the national team’s past achievements were further motivation for Sochi’s 2014 Olympic bid.
Zhukov told the Russian Olympians and VIP guests how the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi would help promote Russia’s transformation. He said the Winter Games will leave a lasting sports legacy of venues that will not only enable Russian and international athletes to train and compete in their respective disciplines for years to come, but also will help to groom young Russian athletes for the future.
He said, “the Winter Games would be a major catalyst in driving positive change in Russia and would leave lasting economic, social and sporting legacies to the people of Sochi and all of Russia. Sochi 2014’s bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games has the full support of the Russian government and we have already committed to a significant investment program that will help transform Sochi into a world-class winter sports resort”.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, CEO of Sochi 2014 said, “we have the huge support behind our bid from all levels of Russian government and the people of Russia. That’s why we believe we can win and hope to see the Olympic Family in 2014”.
