Sochi 2014 Shines at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Moscow

Moscow, Russia, April 30, 2007 – Sochi 2014, Russia’s Bid to host Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is in full-force this week to support the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship (IHWC) taking place in Moscow and Mytischi from April 27th until May 13th. With 16 national teams, thousands of ice hockey fans and more than 300 journalists from all around the world enjoying two brand-new venues, the Russian passion for winter sport has never been stronger and nor has the Sochi 2014 commitment to legacy.

The IHWC has provided Sochi 2014 with a wonderful opportunity to highlight Russia’s expertise at hosting large-scale sporting events in a festive ambiance. Crowds of international supporters and thousands of excited Russian fans are coming together around their passion for hockey and celebrating in the arenas and in Moscow bars, restaurants and clubs, which are all throwing memorable “Russian” parties to mark the important event.

The Sochi 2014 Winter Games plan proposes two sorely needed hi-tech venues for ice hockey competition, set to bring Russian hockey to the next level and serve long after the Games are over. The proposed Bolshoi Ice Palace will be purpose built as a state-of-the-art, world-class ice hockey, multi-sport and entertainment venue. In terms of design, a multi-faceted, transparent glass exterior will reflect the fractional nature of ice while allowing stunning views of the sea and mountains. The Maly Ice Palace will contain both ice hockey competition venues and the Practice Hall, all within less than 300m of each other as part of Sochi’s compact plan.

Chairman of the Russian Agency for Physical Training and Sports and ice hockey legend Viacheslav Fetisov, commented:

“The Ice Hockey World Championships provide us with a wonderful opportunity to showcase Sochi’s innovative Games plan for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. But it is also the perfect occasion to remind people from all around the world, including fans, athletes, media, and the Olympic Family, just how far Russian hospitality goes. We are all having a great time here in Moscow and Mytischi. Believe me, when it comes to celebrating sports, both in and out of the area, Russia is number one!”