President Vladimir Putin took part in presenting Sochi as a candidate city to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Addressing the 119th session of the International Olympic Committee in Guatemala, Mr Putin said that whatever the committee’s decision, Sochi’s bid has already benefited the country because the Olympic complex currently under construction will become modern Russia’s first world-class sports centre.
Millions of Russians are united in their Olympic dream and Russian sportspeople have won victories in numerous competitions and have made an immense contribution to the Olympic movement, Mr Putin said.
The President stressed that Russia is ready to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2014 and that Sochi is the best choice.