(ATR) The Olympics seem to be on Russia President Vladimir Putin’s mind as he offers his well wishes to world leaders for the new year.
On Dec. 31, the Kremlin posted his new year’s messages to 42 heads of state and leaders of international organizations.
He first mentioned honorary IOC president Jacques Rogge in his Olympic rundown. Rogge was IOC president when Sochi won the right to stage the Olympics in 2007 and for almost the entirety of Sochi’s Olympic preparations.
Next came IOC president Thomas Bach and Jean-Claude Killy, the Sochi 2014 Coordination Commission chairman.
The Kremlin said Putin "thanked them for the great assistance organizing the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi and wished them success in the noble cause of the development of the Olympic Movement and sport throughout the world."
Putin also sent a letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, saying the Russians "will do everything" to see that the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be "carried out at the highest level."
Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation and Marius Vizer, International Judo Federation president, received felicities from Putin as well. Ice hockey is Russia’s most popular sport and Putin is a noted judoka.
Other than Pope Francis, no other non-governmental leaders were listed as receiving a new year’s message from Putin.
China President Xi Jinping was thanked by Putin for attending the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, the Kremlin statement also said.
New Year’s celebrations are one of the most culturally important celebrations in Russia.
Beijing 2022 at New Year’s Celebrations
Beijing 2022 was a key part of Beijing’s New Year festivities.
A report in the AFP news agency says city officials moved the celebration to the Beijing Olympic park "to raise the profile" of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic bid.
Pianist Lang Lang played at the event, which focused on the bid.
Written by Ed Hula III
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