Times: IOC says Sochi is ready, satisfied over anti-gay law

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130927/sport/IOC-says-Sochi-is-ready-satisfied-over-anti-gay-law.487925#.UlmBONI6KSo
Friday, September 27, 2013, 00:01

The International Olympic Committee said yesterday the Russian city of Sochi would be ready to host the 2014 Winter Games and a national law banning “gay propaganda” did not violate the Olympic Charter.

An IOC delegation said after inspecting facilities in the Black Sea resort that, despite flooding this week and work that has turned much of the city into a muddy construction site, the “magnificent” sporting venues were already completed.

“We often say that there is no time to waste as the clock ticks down to the opening ceremony, and this still stands true,” said Jean-Claude Killy, head of the team which visited Sochi for the last time before the Games start in February.

“But to see how far the local organisers have come over the last six years is quite simply remarkable – the competition venues are ready; the spirit of the Games is awakening here; and the athletes, spectators and all others who visit next February can expect a fabulous experience.”

He said a “few minor things” still needed to be done but added: “Everything is very impressive.”

Killy also dismissed concerns about a law signed by President Vladimir Putin banning the spread of homosexual propaganda among minors which critics say is discriminatory and has prompted threats of protests and a boycott.

“As long as the Olympic Charter is respected, we are satisfied. This is the case,” Killy told a news conference.

Putin has promised nothing less than a “brilliant” Games which will showcase how far Russia has come since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and has staked a lot of national and personal prestige on the Games.

The law on gay propaganda is part of the conservative course taken by Putin in his third term as president following the biggest protests since he first rose to power in 2013.

Thirteen official sites have been built, including a stadium that can house 40,000 people, plus facilities for ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding and skating.

About 120,000 visitors are expected during the Games.