generalspeaking

The Sochi Headaches

Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoys recognition, he has no time nor patience with any level of criticism. Simple facts are obvious enough; he owns the power and the means to carry through on any initiative that occurs to him might demonstrate to the world at large that Russia is still around, and still carries clout. The world knows all of this, and cannot help but be somewhat concerned that the new Russia aspires to the cast of the old Russia with its forced alliances, in a return to Soviet power.

The Vancouver Games that took place in Canada four years ago was a sizzling affair, making Canada and Vancouverites extremely proud of themselves. Pride of that nature comes with a cost, and that cost has always been a burden to the countries that have carried off the prize of Olympics venue and the responsibilities that status entails, from building suitable sport stadia and ensuring required security has been arranged for. That cost Canada $7-billion to entertain the world.

The Beijing Summer Olympics extravaganza that took everyone's breath away in the scope of its Summer Olympics event, came in at just under an estimated $60-billion. It was money that Beijing felt was well worth the effort, bringing the world to its doorstep and beyond and proving just how capable it was of wowing even the most sophisticated of sport aficionados with the extent and breadth of Chinese technical and entertainment ingenuity.

Russia, for its part, will not be seen as a country that underfunds such a vital initiative. The Olympic Village, the sport fields, the arenas, pistes, highways, bridges, tunnels and railway line will be brilliantly presented and their ballooning costs (attributed in part to endemic corruption opportunities) will more than equal Beijing's costs. Security will be high on the agenda, with 40,000 police present from all over Russia.

Bolshoi Ice Dome, Sochi Winter Olympics

Surveillance cameras, tight travel restrictions on private vehicles, a fleet of active military helicopters all at the disposal of the Olympics organizers and the Russian authorities. All will be ready, including the stadium by the Black Sea where opening ceremonies will take place with national flags ahoist and athletes trooping in to proudly represent their countries, by February 7. Weeks of intense competition will ensue.

Rosa Khutor Alpine Centre

But no terror attacks, despite the fears of Chechen jihadists making good their pledge of violently disrupting proceedings. Russia's games are gearing up to finish with a total cost of $50-billion, exceeding the original estimates ten times over but there is no price to pay that is too steep to achieve the prestige that Russia's indomitable president is prepared to lay out to welcome the international community.

Publicity about Russia's anti-gay laws have threatened to upset Mr. Putin's plans and they have, to a remarkable degree, since many leaders of important countries have opted not to attend the opening ceremonies as a courtesy to Russia and a support to their national sport teams. This, in opposition to the non-inclusion of gay rights as a human right.

With gay athletes promising to make their presence known as a demonstration of defiance.

Labels: Human Relations, Olympics, Russia

posted by Pieface @ Monday, December 23, 2013