Dmitry Chernyshenko – President and CEO of Sochi 2014 – presented BOCOG with a major international award recognizing its outstanding opening and closing ceremonies in London late last night. Beijing 2008 received the accolade at the Sport Event Management Awards 2008, beating off strong competition from runner-up UEFA Euro 2008.

Speaking at the event, Dmitry Chernyshenko said:

“I had the privilege of attending both the opening and closing ceremonies at Beijing 2008. It is an honor to present this award for these impressive events where technical excellence was perfectly combined with Beijing 2008’s Chinese heritage. It is also a proud moment for the entire Olympic Movement – it reinforces that we are global leaders in staging such spectacles.”

The judges – including IOC member Sir Craig Reedie, General-Secretary of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federation Horst Lichtner and President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick J. Hickey – recognized both events as inspirational artistic showpieces delivered flawlessly. They also praised the impact both events had on defining the way the world saw the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dmitry Chernyshenko added:

“BOCOG showcased China’s national culture and presented the country as a high standard host country of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Sochi 2014 will – in our own way – use the opening and closing ceremonies to show a new Russia to the world, as it is these occasions that will stick in the minds of spectators in the Olympic Stadium and millions TV viewers worldwide.”

As Mr. Chernyshenko awarded the prize to Beijing 2008, Sochi 2014 staff members were in Canada planning the Sochi 2014 role in the Vancouver 2010 closing ceremony – when the Olympic Flag is officially handed over to the Russian Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Earlier in the day, Dmitry Chernyshenko had participated in the Sport Event Management Conference 2008 - where he told delegates of the role major sporting events can have in defining nations.

During his speech at the conference, Dmitry Chernyshenko said:

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Russia – which enjoy the unequivocal support of Prime Minister Putin – is an important and integral element of the Social and Economic Strategy of Russia up to 2020. The Games are already having a positive impact on Russia in defining the nation, increasing business investment and increasing tourism. Through Sochi 2014 we want the world to realize that Russia really is the land of opportunities, especially now!”

back to news

print version