Sochi a huge success despite misgivings. The Winter Olympic Games in Sochi came to a close with a glitzy ceremony and a feeling that Russia had confounded all skeptics and critics.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach closed the 22nd Olympic Winter Games on Sunday after a spectacular closing ceremony that rounded off 15 days of sporting action on the Black Sea coast.

"I declare the 22nd Olympic Winter Games closed," Bach said from a podium in the center of the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

President Vladimir Putin and Bach met shortly before the opening ceremony to congratulate one another on what have been widely hailed as successful Games.

"There is no higher compliment than to say on behalf of all the participants: These were the athletes' games,"
Bach said to wild applause. "We arrived with great respect for the rich and varied history of Russia. We leave as friends of the Russian people. Do svidania Sochi!"

The closing ceremony – themed "Reflections of Russia" – paid tribute to Russia's considerable contribution to the arts, feature Bolshoi ballet dancers, nods to Tolstoi and Dostoevsky as well as a rendition of Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Russian virtuoso Denis Matsuev. The country's great circus traditions were also on display, with flying acrobats performing around a candy-cane big top.

The show, only slightly less extravagant than the stunning opening ceremony on February 7, made a humorous reference to its malfunctioning Olympic ring. A glitch involving a white shining snowflake that failed to unravel into an Olympic ring went viral on Twitter and has since become the butt of several gags. But the Russian organizers looked sure to win praise for their self-effacing humor when a troupe of dancers who were to form the Olympic rings paused slightly before fanning out to create the fifth hoop.

In a final section of the ceremony, giants models of the three mascots – a bear, a rabbit and leopard – performed a dance in the arena and finally assembled around the Olympics flame.

source: commonspace.eu with RIA Novosti

photo: the closing ceremony of the Sochi Olympic Games (picture courtesy of RIA Novosti).

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Gaza hospital struck twice by Israel killing journalists and rescuers

Gaza hospital struck twice by Israel killing journalists and rescuers

Israel struck one of the main hospitals in the Gaza strip on Monday 25 August and then hit the facility again as journalists and rescue workers rushed to the scene, killing at least 20 people and wounding many more, local health workers said. It was among the deadliest of multiple Israeli strikes that have hit both hospitals and journalists over the course of the 22-month war, Associated Press reported. The assault came as Israel plans to widen its offensive to heavily populated areas, vowing to destroy Hamas after its 7th October attack in 2023.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Gaza hospital struck twice by Israel killing journalists and rescuers

Gaza hospital struck twice by Israel killing journalists and rescuers

Israel struck one of the main hospitals in the Gaza strip on Monday 25 August and then hit the facility again as journalists and rescue workers rushed to the scene, killing at least 20 people and wounding many more, local health workers said. It was among the deadliest of multiple Israeli strikes that have hit both hospitals and journalists over the course of the 22-month war, Associated Press reported. The assault came as Israel plans to widen its offensive to heavily populated areas, vowing to destroy Hamas after its 7th October attack in 2023.