Russian Olympic plans
A multi-billion dollar building project will now get under way following the success of Sochi in winning the battle to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Sochi, Russia - will host 2014 Winter Olympic
The bid was a “virtual” one as there is little infrastructure in place and now begins a massive development programme.
Sochi needs to build the majority of the 11 venues needed for The Games at a cost of over 9 billion euros. Most of the budget will be spent on the constructions of roads, railways, accommodation and the sports facilities.
All the major sports venues including ice rinks, ski jumps, biathlon courses and arenas will need to be built from scratch.
There will be two clusters of Olympic venues; one near the city of Sochi and another in the Krasnaya Polyana mountains where the alpine events will take place. The 2 venues are 25 miles apart.
The Russians celebrated long into the night when they won The Games and there are high hopes that The Winter Games will bring long lasting benefits to the area and transform it into a major international winter sports area.
PUTIN’S INFLUENCE UNDER QUESTION
President Putin, who is a keen skier and owns a property in the area, played a huge part in securing The Games for the Russian resort. It’s the first time Russia has hosted the Winter Games.
However, there are already some questions about his role and some feel he had an exaggerated influence on the bid. Jacques Rogge, The President of The International Olympic Committee, says he will review the presence of heads of state for future votes to decide The Olympic Games host cities.
President Putin travelled to Guatemala City, where the announcement was made, along with his counterparts from Austria (Salzburg) and South Korea (Pyeongchang), who were also bidding for The 2014 Games. It’s believed President Putin studied how Tony Blair wooed the Olympic officials before London was awarded the 2012 summer games.
AUSTRIA LOSES……AND WINS
The Austrian media have reacted angrily to the Russian victory and blamed IOC officials for being seduced by president Putin’s charm offensive. They say the IOC delegates fell for all the money being spent by the Russians and believed “The Olympic ideal was sacrificed on the altar of money.”
However, this has not stopped Austrian companies bidding for Olympic contracts in Sochi. It’s thought the construction group, Strabag, will receive major contracts. Other beneficiaries may include Feratel, Sitourpig and Skidata that makes electronic ski passes.
It’s reported that President Putin has telephoned, his Austrian counter-part, Heinz Fischer, and praised the Austrian know-how in ski resort construction and said there should be some co-operation between the two countries in building the 2014 Games.
It seems Austria will get some benefits after all from The Games going to Sochi.
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Russian Olympic plans
