IOC hails preparations for 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi

PanARMENIAN.Net - The IOC Coordination Commission for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games today, Feb 14 wrapped up its seventh visit to Sochi, Russia, as local organizers begin the transition from the construction and planning phase of preparations to the operational readiness phase.

The Coordination Commission began its three-day visit by taking in the first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup event held in Russia, at Rosa Khutor, the future home of the Alpine ski events for Sochi 2014 and meeting the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, who reiterated the state’s strong support for the 2014 Games.

Speaking at the World Cup event, IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy described the venue as “one of the most spectacular downhill courses on the World Cup circuit.” In addition to being well-received by the Commission, the event garnered positive reviews from athletes, team delegations and the media.

“The Sochi 2014 venues and operations will be tested, re-tested and tested again over the next two years. We have now seen two of the most difficult sports events to stage on the winter Olympic program take place on these new Olympic courses,” said Chairman Killy, referring to the downhill and super combined. “The fact that the venues have been so well-received is a credit to the five years of hard work undertaken by the local organizers and their partners, their teamwork and their ability to deliver.”

Over 60 sports events are scheduled to take place in Sochi before the start of the Games on February 7, 2014, Thesportscampus.com reported.