The event was traditional in style. Like other Russian parties abroad, it was attended by numerous VIPs and involved folk songs performed by Cossack groups, and a host of Russian symbols.
The Russia House opening ceremony took place in the Olympic city of Vancouver.
The event was traditional in style. Like other Russian parties abroad, it was attended by numerous VIPs and involved folk songs performed by Cossack groups, and a host of Russian symbols.
The Russia House is designed to become the focal point for public interest in the Russian team and the main venue for promoting Sochi as the host of the next Winter Olympics in 2014.
The opening ceremony took place on Thursday evening.
Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Zhukov and Dmitry Kozak were given the honor of opening the Russia House’s ice gates by simultaneously striking pucks with ice-hockey sticks. Zhukov is the member of government in charge of physical training and sports, while Kozak supervises the preparations for the Sochi Olympics.
At the entrance, the guests, who included Russian officials, representatives from sports federations, former and current athletes, journalists, entrepreneurs and foreign guests, were offered champagne, tea with honey and spices, and Russian pies. Photo: Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Zhukov and Dmitry Kozak, and Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko (from left to right) in the Russia House.
According to the organizers of the Russia House-Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, the house is about 10,000 square meters in size, making it the biggest center of this kind in Olympic history. Photo: head of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko, foreground, President of the Russian Olympic Committee Leonid Tyagachev, Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko and Deputy Prime Ministers Dmitry Kozak and Alexander Zhukov at the Russia House opening ceremony in Vancouver.
The Russia House has a press center, set up in conjunction with RIA Novosti, performance stages, sponsors’ pavilions and information sites. Photo: the Russia House opening ceremony in Vancouver.
The Russia House opening ceremony on the eve of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
