Moscow: The Sochi Winter Olympics will show the world an innovative face of modern Russia, Sochi Steering Committee president Dmitry Chernyshenko said recently.

Chernyshenko said that the Sochi Games slated for February 7-23 will add to the rich heritage of the city, for its residents and Russian citizens as a whole, reports Xinhua.

He said improved transportation, hospitality and communal infrastructure, an “exemplary” barrier-free environment and a better ecological situation are among the improvements the Games will leave behind.

“Our main task has been to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the way that would bring about positive changes and inspire the world,” Chernyshenko said.

“A regional summer resort in the past, Sochi has been transformed into a multi-functional — sports, business, cultural, tourism — destination,” Chernyshenko said, noting that the investment attraction of the city has also been improved.

The Games will improve Russia’s global image and it has been a huge leap to turn the country into a world-class sporting location, he said.

“Now we regularly host the top competitions,” the official noted, referring to Russia’s segment of the Formula One, World Soccer Cup in 2018, World Bobsleigh and Skeleton Championship in 2017.

Chernyshenko noted that the Games boosted the volunteerism movement in Russia, with 26 training centres for volunteers being created across the country and the International Olympic University (RMOU) being established.

“Russia, for the first time ever, has entered the Top 10 countries by number of volunteers. That would not happen if it were not for the Games,” he said.

Chernyshenko pointed out that the Olympic torch relay has been the longest one in Winter Games history with its 65,000km journey, including a space leg. The flame of the Games will be lit from the same torch that has travelled into orbit, he said.

“Every citizen of Russia could feel immersed in that event,” he said.

Noting that Beijing and Zhangjiakou have placed their bid to host Winter Olympics in 2022, Chernyshenko wished his Chinese colleagues all best in their efforts to win.

“Hard work is ahead, which requires real professionals in sports management that have experience in Olympic campaigns as well as athletes who know the sphere like no one else,” he said.