Handout, PNG Merlin Archive
WHISTLER, B.C. ‘ Dmitry Chernyshenko, president and CEO of the Sochi Organizing Committee, says his lasting memory of the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics will be of the people and the passion.
‘Canadians are very special,’ Chernyshenko said Friday before a reception to celebrate Russia’s Paralympic success and promote the 2014 Games in Sochi.
‘This is what I personally learned from Vancouver ‘ about the people and the atmosphere. They united around one project and demonstrated a real electric, festive enjoyment.
‘They are human, always ready to help you, very friendly, very open, very smart and with a sense of humour ‘ almost like a Russian.’
In a little more than 1,400 days, the world’s attention will focus on the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Chernyshenko’s hometown.
Aside from trying to replicate the fervour seen and felt in B.C. and across Canada, the Sochi Organizing Committee has three main hopes for the legacy of the 2014 Games: to improve fitness throughout society; to change attitudes about people with disabilities; and to create a culture of volunteerism.
The concept, said Chernyshenko, is for Sochi to become a model for Russia, a fully accessible city for the disabled and less mobile.
A team of 22 Russian volunteers ‘ youth leaders from 17 regions ‘ have been in Vancouver and Whistler, soaking up all they can about the recruitment and roles of volunteers.
‘Volunteerism is a new movement in our country,’ said Chernyshenko. ‘It’s different than Canada, where they’ve had the culture of being volunteers. We don’t, so far, but we are developing this and these youngsters will be the pillars of the new movement.’
One hundred and fifty Russian observers took in the Olympics and Paralympics. Chernyshenko said it is too early to make any definitive statements about what they learned from the 2010 Games; there will be an official debriefing in June.
But he did say the lessons from Cypress Mountain ‘ where snow had to be trucked and helicoptered in, and where huge chunks of tickets were refunded for safety reasons ‘ were obvious.
Sochi’s weather in February and March is not unlike Vancouver’s.
‘Already we can note that early planning is crucial,’ he said. ‘Also, the confident, professional staff and volunteers and contractors, is key to the success of delivering the Games.’
Chernyshenko also said that the success of the Russian men’s hockey team in 2014 will have a great impact on the atmosphere.
In Vancouver, Canada crushed Russia 7-3 in the men’s hockey quarter-finals, putting an exclamation point on a disappointing Olympics for the Russians, who won just three gold and 15 total medals, finishing sixth overall.
With 10 gold and 29 total medals, Russia was well atop the Paralympic table on Saturday afternoon.
‘This is very important,’ Chernyshenko said of men’s hockey. ‘Hockey is only one medal, but it’s very important for Russia. Hockey is in our blood.
‘I would dream that the final will be Russia against Canada, and Russia wins.’
And that dream includes NHL players, although the league has yet to commit its players for four years down the road.
‘With NHL players for sure,’ Chernyshenko said. ‘They’re the most recognized and powerful players in the world and the biggest sports events deserve such great athletes to perform.’
Vancouver Province
mwebertheprovince.com
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