The winter Olympics to be held in Sochi, southern Russia, in 2014 are meant to constitute an unveiling ceremony for Russia’s post-communist transformation equivalent to the role of the Beijing summer games this year as a showcase for the New China.
It is one of the biggest investment priorities for the Russian government. According to official figures, which are likely to be out of date already, Rbs314bn ($12.5bn) roubles in investment is planned, including Rbs119bn from private sources, the rest to be made up out of the federal budget.
