Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, today updated the European Olympic Committees (EOC) on the major progress that has been made in delivering Russia’s first Winter Games. Speaking to the EOC General Assembly in Istanbul, Mr Chernyshenko told delegates that Sochi 2014 is firmly on track and within budget.

The General Assembly – whose attendees included Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC, and Gilbert Felli, IOC Executive Director – warmly received the news that Sochi 2014’s venue plans had been finalized making it the most compact Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in history. At the Winter Games, 60% of athletes will live within one kilometer of their competition venue, with the average distance for all athletes being less than 4 kilometers.

Mr Chernyshenko said:

“Overall the Sochi 2014 project is firmly on track and within budget. The design works for 7 venues have already been completed. Almost 100 percent of the land for sports venues – both in the coastal and mountain clusters – has been allocated. This is about 850 hectares of land. I can confirm that all projects will be under construction by next summer, in order to host the first test events on schedule in 2012.”

Sochi 2014’s participation in the EOC is part of the Organizing Committee’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong, positive working relationship with the entire Olympic Movement. This manifests itself not only through ongoing dialogue with the Olympic Family – including the EOC’s members – but also through working with the IOC’s experts at every stage of construction.

During his speech Mr Chernyshenko said:

“The requirements and expectations of the European NOCs and the rest of the Olympic Movement are a first priority for Sochi 2014, we are establishing our NOC service program now to ensure we maintain excellent communications will all of you. We look forward to welcoming the first NOC visits next year.

“Sochi 2014’s planning is fully guided by the IOC and their technical documents – designed to guide Organizing Committees – to ensure that Sochi 2014 progress effectively and fulfill their numerous bid stage commitments.”

Delegates at the EOC also heard about Sochi 2014’s continued commitment to be a catalyst for change before, during and after the Games. Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted the environmental and educational legacy that Sochi 2014 would leave behind.

On the subject of Sochi 2014’s enduring legacy, Dmitry Chernyshenko said:

“The Russian Government has already launched the Environment Program for Sochi 2014. Another environmental initiative is the initiative to re-introduce the Snow Leopard to the Caucasus Mountains – this is under the personal supervision of Prime Minister Putin and Jean-Claude Killy.

“Sochi 2014’s sustainable legacy is also demonstrated by creation of the Russian Olympic University in Sochi. This university will become a world center of learning for the sports and events industry.”

The EOC General Assembly is being hosted in Istanbul to mark the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Olympic Committee. Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the Committee on their centenary and wished them success for the next 100 years.

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