On February 7, 2014, the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games will take place in the city of Sochi. This is a great honor both for the city and for Russia as a whole. However, preparing the city to host the Olympics demanded a lot of effort and expense. Unsurprisingly, just after Sochi won the Winter Olympics Capital Challenge competition, skeptical voices began to be heard along with approval. And how do Russians feel about the Olympics now, when there is very little time left before this significant event?
Sociological research results
Yes, the upcoming Olympic Games required large investments that could be directed to more pressing needs. Therefore, one can understand the skepticism and even discontent of some Russian citizens. However, as shown by a sociological survey conducted under the auspices of the Organizing Committee of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games, the overwhelming majority of Russians approve of the holding of this sports event in our country.
The survey was conducted in April-May 2013 in 22 cities of the Russian Federation. For reliability, the sample was made among citizens of both sexes, all age groups and from different social groups. 83% of the respondents answered positively to the question whether they approve of the Winter Olympics in Sochi. In their opinion, holding such a top-level sports event will improve the international image of Russia, positively affect the influx of foreign tourists, instill interest in sports in children and adolescents, and also strengthen a sense of patriotism and pride in their homeland.
The vast majority of Russians surveyed (81%) are going to regularly follow sports news from Sochi during the Olympics either via television or using the Internet. 17% of the respondents said that they would certainly try to come to Sochi to personally observe the athletes' competitions.
What are the arguments of opponents of the Olympics in Sochi
Most often, people who disapprove of the holding of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi argue that our country is not rich enough to spend colossal sums on ambitious sports projects. Say, it would be better to build cheap housing, modernize production, repair infrastructure and roads.
A weighty argument is the fear (alas, quite real in our conditions) that some of these amounts will be banally plundered. Finally, many people fear that large-scale construction in and around Sochi will cause great environmental damage.
