Hosted by Sochi Organizing Committee (SOC), the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 will be the most expensive Olympics ever (summer or winter). This dubious honour has been won due to various factors but mainly because of President Vladimir Putin’s desire to make the Games as extravagant as possible. This event will cost Russia over 50 billion US dollar, 10 billion US dollars higher than the most-expensive Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008.
It is said, extensive infrastructure development, modernizing the telecommunications, electric power, and transportation and construction of a new Olympic Park (a purpose - built) along the coast of the Black Sea for events requiring more snow have been the major reasons for the event to be this expensive.
Weather in Russia
Sportsmen have nothing to worry as Sochi with its humid subtropical climate and average February temperature of 8.3°C, will be the warmest city to host the Winter Olympic Games till date. Initially, this city in the southern part of Russia seemed an imperfect choice for hosting the winter games as Sochi is popular only as a summer sea resort. However, after this event Sochi will feature among the year-round international tourist destinations.
On the other hand, organizers at Sochi had piled up chunks of snow last year and kept them under special insulated blankets. They hoped that with this snow-saving process they will be able to meet their requirements in case of adverse weather conditions during the Olympics. Nevertheless, weathermen in Russia have indicated that the combination of warm air from the Black Sea and cold air from the Caucasus Mountains will bring enough snowfall. What needs to be avoided is last year’s situation in Vancouver, where snow had to be airlifted.
Games and Contenders
With 98 events in total and 294 medals in waiting, there are 15 major winter sports lined up for the Olympics. Some of these are: Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-country skiing, Ice hockey, Ski jumping, Snowboarding and Speed skating. It is quite shocking that host country Russia hasn't won a hockey gold since 1988 and neither have they won any medal in the last two Olympics. U.S and Canada remain the favourite contenders of the Olympics every year, with US having won 253 medals at Winter Olympiads so far.
Precautions for athletes
Last time at the Vancouver Winter Olympic, three Indian athletes, their manager and 2 coaches were apparently sent to the event with mismatched uniforms. One of the Canadian dailies had reported that apparels provided to the athletes and their coaches for the opening ceremony were in poor condition. To prevent any such plight thrown on the Indian community, the authorities here should take special measures this time.
While many in Sochi are happy, excited and proud to be showing off their city during the Winter Olympics 2014, some claim, the anti-immigrant fever is also high.
Photo by Zimbio.