The Mayor of Sochi, Vladimir Afanasenkov, presented his vision for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and its lasting legacy for millions of Russians.
Afanasenkov participated in the inaugural Olympic City Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland and spoke at a panel discussion, for which he was joined by the respective Mayors of 2004 Summer Games host Athens, and 1984 Winter Games host Sarajevo.
Afanasenkov focused on the tangible existing benefits include the Olympic Joint Information Centre - established by the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee to popularise the values of the Olympic Movement. The facility enables authorities to meet regularly with Sochi residents - ensuring they are kept up to date with developments and have a forum for interactive communication.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said: "Strong corporate governance is one of the most crucial requirements in the organization of big international events. Facilities such as the Joint Information Center are helping us to coordinate the organization process in collaboration with key stakeholders and both regional and national administrations. Sochi 2014 is also working closely with the IOC at all levels of Games preparation to ensure the lasting legacy for Russia and the Olympic movement".
The Mayor presented new Sochi government departments overseeing aspects of infrastructure serving the Games - such as roads management and construction processes. Federal Target Programs have also been implemented to ensure that the readying of Sochi and the Krasnodar region for 2014 is achieved within a broader plan to make the region a global Winter Sports hub and regional economic centre. This will help to promote healthy living for generations of Russians and promote greater social awareness of the millions of Russians living with disabilities.
Afanasenkov said: "Sochi has substantial experience of hosting high-profile events, and we understand very clearly what is required for a truly memorable event in 2014. Because of this, we have remodelled the organizational structure of the Sochi administration, and this will help us continue to rise to the challenge in the years ahead".
The Lausanne Summit took place between 9 and 11 October, 2008. The event brought together representatives from bidding and host cities of the Summer, Winter and Youth Olympic Games for a two-day session entitled The Road to Olympic Host City Success.
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