Sharapova said that if Sochi 2014 wins the Games it would bring a new world of “opportunity for kids, especially those involved in winter sports. It will give so many youngsters the chance to shine.”
“It is one of the greatest things that we can achieve, to bring an Olympics to Sochi, so that Russian athletes can stay and train to an elite level in our country and develop their dreams.”
Sharapova fell in love with tennis at the age of four while she was living in Sochi. But she was eventually forced to leave for the US in part because of a lack of adequate training facilities.
She said, “With incredible new facilities already being built and major investments in Sochi’s infrastructure set to make a real difference in the region, Sochi 2014 has the power to be the true gateway to the future for millions of Russians.”
Dmitry Chernyshenko, CEO of the Sochi 2014 Bid Committee, who attended the Bid’s winter-themed event, said, “Maria represents millions of athletes and athletes are at the heart of our exceptional bid.”
“Elite athletes such as Maria Sharapova inspire youngsters in Russia and around the world. That is the very essence of Sochi 2014. A chance for a whole generation of young people to be positively affected forever by seeing their sporting heroes compete on home ice and snow, but also be a part of the journey that our Winter Games Bid will begin.
“Sochi 2014 will be the catalyst for incredible social and sporting change in Russia and we are proud that a star like Maria Sharapova is doing her utmost to help us fulfil the dream of millions of Russians and bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to the world’s largest winter sports country for the first time.”
