RUSSIA: WINTER OLYMPICS - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach welcomes world leaders at gala on eve of 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi

Record ID: 564892

  • Title: RUSSIA: WINTER OLYMPICS - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach welcomes world leaders at gala on eve of 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi
  • Date: 6th February 2014
  • Summary: OLYMPIC RINGS ON BACKDROP BEHIND BACH
  • Embargoed: 21st February 2014 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Russian Federation
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: General,Politics,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA8W1V1WPKOMB6I2CNQV3853VP0
  • Story Text: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, along with several international leaders to his gala on the eve of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
    Bach warmly greeted heads of state, national Olympic committee chiefs and athletes on a red carpet before hosting a formal dinner where he recognised the leaders in attendance.
    "We have gathered here tonight, just as the athletes are doing at this very moment in the Olympic village next door," Bach said. "Even though they are competitors, they are sharing a meal and enjoying being together in the Olympic community. So let us share this Olympic spirit here tonight."
    Putin thanked Bach and IOC members for their unwavering support of Russia's bid to host the Games.
    "Today we are preparing to open the 22nd Winter Olympic Games in Sochi," Putin said. "There are only a few hours left. I think I don't make a mistake assuming that the whole world is already anticipating this grand sports event and feels the special atmosphere and positive energy. Russia is aiming to fulfil its Olympic project to the maximum, doing everything so that the Olympics in Sochi are an unforgettable, bright event, and we are sure they will be."
    The Games, which begin on Friday (February 7), are seen as a prestige project for Putin and are the most expensive Games in history, believed to be costing $51-billion.
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