The challenge of preparing the 2014 Olympic Winter Games “makes us stronger”, remarked Sochi 2014 President Dmitry Chernyshenko during an interview with GamesBids.com. The comment was in response to remarks made by the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission Jean-Claude Killy who suggested that preparations for the Games would be a huge challenge.
“No doubt that such a high level of ministers and government officials present [at the IOC inspection] reflects how all of Russia can meet the challenge”, said Chernyshenko.
Russian Prime Minister Zubkov, Deputy Prime Minister Zhukov and a number of other high-ranking Russian government ministers met with IOC officials during their first visit to Sochi since the city was elected host of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games last year.
He said, “we share the same vision as the IOC…that was our major advantage during the bid – to create the most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
Despite the huge construction effort required for the Games, Chernyshenko said that it will be completed two years before the Games begin. Much of the construction will commence this year and the rest will start in 2009.
“The major (infrastructure) expenditure will be for transportation and that will be a catalyst for redevelopment including several connecting roads to areas around the country.”
Chernyshenko also commits that the construction will enhance and improve the environment in the region and this will set an example for all of Russia, which is currently experiencing a construction boom.
