We are seeing significant progress in the construction of Olympic venues in Sochi. I am not exaggerating when I say that the work has been carried out impeccably.

The metamorphosis of Sochi and its region continues. Progress is considerable and we can only be impressed by the developments made over the last 12 months. This year alone, the building sites linked to the organisation of the Games have provided work to up to 55,000 people per day! Most of the venues should be delivered on schedule, and we can say, with confidence, that the competition venues that will host the athletes participating in the Sochi Games will be extraordinary.

The results are quite impressive at all points. This is related to construction, planning, accommodation, transport and logistics. We have visited a lot of venues, and I am very impressed by what has been achieved.

“There aren’t too many countries that would be capable, in the space of just seven years and having started from scratch, of organizing and staging the kind of Olympic Games we are expecting from you. These Games are going to be truly extraordinary, unlike anything we have seen before”.

We have been very impressed with the way the organizers have proactively reached out to people in every corner of the country to make them feel part of the Sochi Games. The 2014 fan club is now well and truly in place across this great nation.

We’ve had a very productive two days here in Sochi and have seen continued progress in the development of the sporting venues both in the coastal cluster and in the mountains. I am confident that the world’s winter athletes will be impressed when they arrive in Sochi for the up-coming sports events and the Games in 2014. Our visit also intended to focus on hotel construction and operational planning. Although a lot remains to be done in this area which had been identified as an area of focus by the Coordination Commission, we are confident that Sochi 2014 and its partners are on track to deliver their commitments. The entire Sochi 2014 team deserves great praise for their achievements over the past six months.

It was great to see the whole of Russia getting involved in Sochi 2014’s 1000 days to go celebrations. The excitement and engagement that we witnessed across the country was exceptional and will no doubt continue to increase with the nationwide opening of Sochi’s volunteer centres. In addition, the unveiling of the stunning countdown clock serves to remind us all that this great country will soon be playing host to the world and its finest winter athletes. With 1000 days to go, the clock is now really ticking and I’m confident that the Olympians of 2014 will receive a fantastic welcome when they arrive in Sochi in just a few years time.

I would like to congratulate the Russian people and the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee on choosing the Hare, Polar Bear and Leopard as mascots.

I would like to congratulate the Russian people and the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee on choosing the Hare, Polar Bear and Leopard as mascots. I have no doubt that this tremendous trio will bring the Games to a whole new generation, helping to promote Sochi 2014 and the Olympic values across Russia and the world.

Once again we have been impressed by the quality of the work that Sochi 2014 and its partners have presented to us during our visit. As they reach the halfway point in their preparations, we can see the progress that is being made, with sporting venues rising from the ground, new sections of road being used by the public, and environmental initiatives being undertaken. Sochi 2014 is delivering on its promises to the athletes, and preparations remain on track.