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Sochi 2014 appointed Alexander Ovechkin, one of the world’s top ice hockey stars, as an official Ambassador to Russia’s first Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The announcement of the Russian national team and Washington Capitals forward becoming a Sochi 2014 Ambassador followed celebrations in Sochi to mark the two year anniversary of the Black Sea resort city being chosen to host the 2014 Winter Games. Part of the celebrations saw Ovechkin play in a friendly football match for Sochi 2014 against a ‘Druzhba’ team of Russian football legends. After the match at Sochi’s Central Stadium, Ovechkin was awarded with his Ambassador diploma.

He said:

“As an ice hockey player, it is truly an honor to become an Ambassador of the Winter Games being held in my home country. When Sochi won its Bid in Guatemala, we were delighted that in 2014 we will be playing at home on a brand-new modern hockey arena beside the beautiful seaside. As an athlete, I`ll try to do everything possible for bring the Olympic gold for the Russian team. And as a Sochi 2014 Ambassador, to help ensure that the Winter Games will be held at the highest level possible.”

For the second consecutive year, Alexander Ovechkin was a guest of the ‘Sochi – YES!’ festival staged by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee annually on 4 July to commemorate the day when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded Sochi the right to host the Winter Games at the 119th IOC Session in Guatemala.

“It is already hard for me to imagine a summer without a visit to Sochi,” said Ovechkin. “I was here at the same time last year. Honestly, the city is changing very quickly. And I am particularly pleased that the construction of hockey arenas has already begun.”

Sochi 2014 enjoys the backing of the sporting and cultural communities in Russia, who represent the widespread support for the nation’s first Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Sochi 2014 Ambassadors play a key role in promoting Sochi 2014 and the Olympic Movement. Sports icons inspire people young and old to strive for a better future through sport.

(Source: Sochi 2014)