News

Following the third and final reading, the Russian State Duma has adopted several amendments to the existing law directed at enhancing the efficiency of the preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This change in legislation is a key point in the Organizing Committee’s development of a thriving volunteer movement in Russia following Sochi 2014.

A particular amendment was the formalizing of the ‘Games volunteer’ concept into law, which was originally initiated by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee and allows them to regulate administrative questions related to the work of volunteers.

This revision will bring a number of benefits, including helping regulate the administration of volunteering at major international events, simple entry and exit procedures for foreign volunteers traveling to Russia and ensuring volunteers’ benefits in kind will be exempt from tax.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:

“Recognising Games volunteers in Russian law is a highly significant development in our preparations for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Our volunteers will be crucial to the success of the Games, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Sochi and enthusiastically promoting Russia and the Games to visitors from all around the world.

“We aim to use the Games to encourage volunteerism across Russia and help establish a volunteering tradition in the country which will last for many years to come.”

One of the key priorities for Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee is to revive the volunteering movement in Russia and prepare all of the volunteers for the Games in 2014. The volunteers will play a major role in creating a unique atmosphere for the Games as they are the first people to meet guests and participants and assist them with all their needs. These volunteers will act as the”face” of the Sochi 2014 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

As a direct result of Sochi 2014 volunteering in Russia is becoming increasingly popular. The Sochi 2014 volunteering team took part in the Winter Games in Vancouver, helping to organize several international events, including the IOC official debriefing in Sochi. In addition, volunteers have enthusiastically been taking part in other Organizing Committee initiatives, particularly ecological events.

Changing the legal basis for volunteering is part of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee volunteering program. The creation of an effective legislative base will play a key role in developing the volunteering movement in Russia by removing barriers that volunteering organizations face.