Posted on 24 January 2010.
Russian Sochi 2014 House’ will be situated in Vancouver’s iconic Science World facility between February 8 and 28, during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and in Whistler during the Paralympic Winter Games between March 12 to 21. It will allow Sochi 2014 to provide visitors with a taste of the unique atmosphere and innovations of Russia’s first Winter Games four years ahead of its Opening Ceremony.
The house is also highlighted to be a facility for Russian athletes to experience the support of Russian sport-lovers.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:
“’Russian Sochi 2014 House’ will be in a unique venue, Science World: a major visitor attraction in Vancouver. All events related to demonstrating the innovative aspects of Sochi 2014 will be hosted there. Visitors will not only be able to sample genuine Russian hospitality, they will also get a showcase of Sochi and the whole of Russia.
“The venue will have incredibly advanced communications facilities, including a live video conferencing facility for Russian athletes to share their successes with friends and relatives at home.”
The Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010 in Vancouver will be a significant milestone for the Sochi 2014 programme, since it is in Vancouver that Russia’s Sochi will officially take over and become the focus of the next Winter Games. In accordance with the regulations laid down by the International Olympic Committee, the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee is obliged to present its vision for the Sochi 2014 Games in Canada, as well as showcasing the city and country which, in four years time, will be the focus of attention for millions of people in the rest of the world.
Unprecedented in its scale, the Sochi2014.ru World, Russky Dom project will be the only official location for the Russian delegation in Vancouver. It will introduce guests at the Vancouver 2010 Games to our country in its role as a leading sports power, as well as to the city of Sochi — modern, hospitable and open to the world. Sochi World will become its own gateway to the future in 2014 — in Russia, in the Krasnodar region, in the Olympic location of Sochi itself.
The doors to Sochi World will be open from February 11 — 28 2010 for everyone who wants to become a part of the big Russian celebration at the Vancouver 2010 Games. It will bring together well-known athletes, eager fans, and journalists and officials from around the world.
Sochi2014.ru World, Russky Dom is located in the unique building of the Museum of Science (Science World) on the Gulf coast of Vancouver, in close proximity to the main Olympic venues of the 2010 Games: the BC Place Stadium, which will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, the GM Place Stadium (hockey), the Olympic Village and the International Press Center.
Guests of Sochi World will be able to get to know a new, modern Russia, where innovation is balanced with tradition: exhibition halls and informational booths will introduce everyone to the city and country that will host the innovative Sochi 2014 Games.
The cultural program, legendary Russian cuisine, performances by famous Russian and Canadian artists and, of course, the guests themselves will all help to create an unforgettable, truly Russian festive atmosphere.
The press center will host Russia’s official delegation events and meetings with the athletes and guests of the Games. Additionally, access to the fully-equipped work areas will be available to accredited Sochi World media.
Event Program
Every day from 12.00 to 17.00, activities for Sochi World guests will include: meetings with Russia’s celebrated athletes, as well as autograph signing and photo sessions, entertainment programs, contests, excursions and official project participant and Games Partner events.
In the Omnimax theater, guests will be able to watch sports-themed domestic films and cartoons—the masterpieces of Russian cinema (with English subtitles).
Additionally, on the days of ice hockey competitions, retrospective screenings of ice hockey matches between Russia and Canada will be held in the theater.
On hockey competition days (February 21, 26 and 28, 2010) the Sochi World day program will also include:
- A Table Hockey Tournament
- Games with famous hockey players (for example, «Score a Goal Past Tretyak» and «Best Scorer» with Pavel Bure and others)
- Autograph signings and photo sessions with the stars of Russian and Soviet hockey
- Chant and dance contests among fan groups
In the evenings, guests can enjoy unforgettable performances and jointly celebrate the Olympic victories of our athletes.
Undoubtedly, the highlight and main event will be the transfer ceremony of the Olympic flag to Sochi; for it is from that moment that Sochi will become the official city of the next Winter Games.
Rules for Visitation
In order to take part in the Sochi World activities, visitors must obtain accreditation (permanent access) or day-passes (single-use access). Day-passes are available at the information desk or at the Accreditation Center at the entrance. For Russian fans, entry passes will be created upon presentation of a Russian passport.
Map:
Then headed up Callahan Valley. passed security to the massive 90K and 120K Ski Jumps, and observed the jumper’s view, and an Inukshuk.
Then, we headed farther up the road to see Cross Country Skiing, and Biathlon venues including the target shooting areas.
We even saw a few bears roaming around, and enjoyed a few beers in the village:
Next up in the reconnaissance mission, the Richmond Speed Skating Oval.
