Former VANOC CEO talks security, living conditions in Sochi
Posted February 9, 2014 3:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver’s former Olympic Committee CEO isn’t at the games in Sochi, but he is tuning in for every Olympic event, and John Furlong says Russia is handling security and issues expertly.
Despite reports hotels are unfinished and plumbing has been an issue, Furlong says Sochi living conditions are good. “It’s beautiful there. It’s very different, a unique part of the world. The venues are gorgeous. It’s just a different city than ours,” he says, adding “We have a lot of men and women who were volunteers in Vancouver who are over there, and they have told us that it’s quite magnificent.”
As for security concerns and terrorist threats, Furlong says it comes with the territory of hosting the Olympics. “It’s unfortunate this is what we have to deal with all over the world, but I think that the Russians have responded very well.”
Furlong says Vancouver’s games in 2010 had some tense security moments along the way, including a massive protest on the night of the opening ceremonies. “The thing is that you’re supposed to secure the games. Canada promised to do it, Russia did, we did, and I think everybody was happy with the job we did, and they’ll be happy with how Russia performs as well.”
Overall, people were impressed with the Olympic experience in Canada boasts Furlong, and he expects they will be with Russia’s as well.
