COUNTING DOWN TO SOCHI
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
It won’t be long before we become glued to our television screens as world-class athletes compete vigorously for gold medals at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Most of these chosen athletes have ben training for a lifetime for this chance to make their lasting mark on the sports world in such a historic event. It is also a time to unite in skill, common goals and treasure new friendships that will blossom over a two week period. The opening and closing ceremonies with the parade of nations is the most emotional portion and at the same time exemplifies how great each nation really is.
The Official XXII Olympic Winter Games (22nd Winter Olympics) take place in Sochi, Russia from February 6 through February 23, 2014. It will be a historical time as The Sochi Olympics will be the first Olympics in the Russian Federation since the breakup of the USSR. As is customary with an event this monumental, it takes a huge amount of money to prepare the nation to hold the event which draws millions of visitors. This may be the most expensive one yet. There will be an Olympic Park, an indoor stadium and an area for snow events to be held. It all comes with a $50 billion price tag.
Over 80 countries send their very best athletes as representative of the strength of a nation. Over 2500 athletes will be competing in the sports of Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Speed Skating and Snow Boarding.
Although Lindsey Vonn, sadly, will not be competing due to an injury, the United States has some very strong athletes that are sure to impress the crowds and win loads of fans. Skier Mikaela Shiffrin is determined and has already proven she is a star in the world of Slalom. Max Aaron is sure to dominate in figure skating. With 13 career World Cup wins, Sarah Hendrickson, is one to watch in ski jumping. Each of these athletes is young and ambitious and makes us proud to stand behind TEAM USA.
President Obama has appointed a Presidential delegation for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
The Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation will be held on February 7, 2014.
The delegation will attend athletic events, meet with U.S. athletes, and attend the Opening Ceremony.
The Honorable Janet A. Napolitano, President of the University of California, will lead the delegation.
The Honorable Michael A. McFaul, United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
The Honorable Robert L. Nabors, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
The Honorable Billie Jean King, Member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, Member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Mr. Brian A. Boitano, Olympic gold medalist, figure skating.
Presidential Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
The Closing Ceremony of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation will be held on February 23, 2014.
The delegation will attend athletic events, meet with U.S. athletes, and attend the Closing Ceremony.
The Honorable William J. Burns, Deputy Secretary of State, will lead the delegation.
The Honorable Michael A. McFaul, United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Ms. Bonnie Blair, five-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist, speed skating.
Ms. Caitlin Cahow, Olympic silver medalist and bronze medalist, women’s ice hockey.
Dr. Eric Heiden, five-time Olympic gold medalist, speed skating.
One worry that lingers on our minds is safety. With two suicide bombings taking place in December not more than 600 miles away from where the Olympics will be held, it is only normal to worry about the unknown. Vigilance is crucial with this many people in one venue as the world celebrates the success of the victorious. The Olympics is naturally an “attractive target for terrorists”. With a host of varying nationalities coming together for a common interest, we must not let this deter us. Fear is futile. Security will be very tight and resources will be totally devoted to making the games safe. Life must go on.
Sochi 2014 is going to be spectacular as that is what Olympics stands for. Good luck to our athletes!
PHOTO CREDITS: Harry How/Getty Images, Google Images
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