VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr Killy, I am pleased to welcome you to Sochi once again.
Yesterday we met here to review what has been done so far. And the meeting - which we call a presidium (abbreviated session) of the Sports Council concerned with preparations for the Games - was not wasted.
Things are moving ahead. Some questions call for particular attention. We discussed them yesterday at length. I'm referring to the IOC requirements and your personal requirements as an IOC representative. I hope today's discussion will be as productive and down-to-earth as any previous one.
Jean-Claude Killy (in translation): Thank you very much for the invitation and the meeting.
I heard about yesterday's meeting and the enthusiastic note on which it ended. I have a strong feeling of confidence in the personal qualities of the people dealing with this project at such high state and government level. As soon as you decided to change the general facility plan for environmental reasons and move freestyle down to the valley, I must say it was the most unique and fascinating feeling we experienced at Olympic Winter Games in general.
Today we will get down to details. It was difficult to believe that an athlete living in the valley could reach the competition site by train.
It is indeed a great honour and a great pleasure for me to work on this exciting project on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.
You told your counterparts that it was perhaps the chance of a lifetime to do a job like that. But for us, the International Olympic Committee, it is also a unique opportunity.
Vladimir Putin: I know you have made some remarks about document and information scheduling. We discussed them yesterday.
My colleagues must have informed you that we have prepared a special computer programme to follow progress on each facility. The programme will also give an overall view of the whole project, enabling us, the International Olympic Committee, and you as its representative to monitor the general picture and particular activities daily and even hourly.
Jean-Claude Killy: I am glad, because I think it is the utmost in organisation.
Vladimir Putin: It will be a success, I am sure.
Jean-Claude Killy: We are also absolutely sure.
