Quotations

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 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.

"It is awe-inspiring the work that is being undertaken in the Sochi region. With 43 construction sites that are operational 24 hours a day, employing around 16,000 workers, we are arguably looking at one of Europe’s biggest and most ambitious construction projects and I am pleased to report that work is on schedule."

“We now see how the Sochi project is rising from the ground. The process is evident, as construction has started and we can already see the real fruit of what is being developed. We discussed various issues, transport, security and much more. Seeing the type of people involved in the process, we have no doubt that this project will be successfully implemented”.

“The dynamic created by Sochi 2014 Games is the opportunity to leave behind a true and lasting human legacy in Russia and in Sochi”.

“I think Russia is on its way to organizing an exceptional Olympic Games ”.

“The Russian diamond is shining more and more with each passing day”.