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In July 2007, the International Olympic Committee announced that Sochi had been selected as a finalist city to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics.
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This will be Russia's first time to host the Winter Olympic Games, and the first time to host the Paralympic Games.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
As of 2008, Sochi had no world-class level athletic facilities fit for international competition. To get the city ready for the Olympics, the Russian government has committed to a $12 billion investment package.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
By some estimates, the investments necessary to bring the location up to Olympic standards may exceed that of any previous Olympic games.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
The organisers expect to have a surplus of US$300 million once the games are over.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
Construction in preparation for the Games involves the building of new venues; and modernizing the telecommunications, power, and transport infrastructure of the area.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
This will include the construction of a new Olympic Park by the Black Sea coast in the Imeretin Valley, with venues clustered around a central area. The venues in Krasnaya Polyana will also be new.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
This will provide a great compactness of the concept with the Olympic Stadium and all indoor venues of the Olympics gathered within walking distance.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
As part of the large-scale preparation for the Games, Russian government has built 482 new private houses and 518 apartments to relocate 3,000 local residents in the Olympic construction areas.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
Nearly all venues of the 2014 Winter Olympics have been completed and ready for test competitions, Russian Olympics Committee said this November.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
With an average February temperature of 8.3° C (42.8° F) and having a humid subtropical climate, Sochi will be the warmest city to have ever hosted a Winter Olympic Games.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
After the Olympics, a Formula One street circuit is planned for the site. The first race will take place after the Closing Ceremony of the Games.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
The Bandy World Championships 2014 will be held in the city at the same time as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mikhail Mordasov/focuspictures
Sochi Olympic Stadium will also be used to host 2018 FIFA World Cup matches.
