As Olympic fever grips the world ahead of Beijing 2008, yesterday Sochi 2014 celebrated the major milestone of 2014 days to go until Russia welcomes the world to its first ever Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

To commemorate this important occasion, a Sochi 2014 expedition scaled the Achishkho Mountain in the Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Range. To demonstrate their passion for the Games, when the team reached 2014 metres above sea level, a Sochi 2014 flag was installed at a short distance from the summit to mark the significant day.

With Beijing 2008 fast approaching, Sochi 2014 also marked the day with the departure of the Olympic Observer Programme participants. The delegation will visit the XXIX Olympiad with the objective of learning from BOCOG to help ensure that Sochi 2014 is an innovative and inspirational event.

Less than a week after 2014 days until Sochi 2014, several natives of Sochi and the Krasnador Region — including Tatiyana Bazyuk (sailing), Vladimir Karpets (cycling), Elena Vesnina (tennis), Victoria Gurova (athletics) — will become local Olympic heroes as they compete at Beijing 2008. In support of their homegrown talent, Sochi residents are becoming imbued with passion for the Games. Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:

«This incredibly important milestone is special for everyone at Sochi 2014. And it?s very symbolic that this day we depart to Beijing as the Olympic Observer Programme participants. I am truly excited about the Olympic Games 2008 — it will be an incredible opportunity to learn from another Organising Committee and it will also be exciting to watch my fellow Sochi natives compete at the Games.»

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