KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

IOC extends TOP Partnership with Atos

08/02/2014

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that it has reached an agreement with Atos to extend its Worldwide TOP Partnership through to 2020.

Atos will provide Integration Services and Systems Management Services, Core Hosting Services and key Games-related applications and associated services for the XXIII Olympic Winter Games (2018) in PyeongChang and the Games of the XXXII Olympiad (2020) in Tokyo.
Atos has been a key technology provider for the Olympic Movement since 1989, when the company provided services to the Barcelona 1992 Organising Committee. Atos became the Olympic Movement’s Worldwide Information Technology Partner in 2001, and it is currently supporting the Organising Committee for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, and already working with the Organising Committee for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Technology is critical to the success of each edition of the Olympic Games. We are delighted that we will be able to continue relying on Atos and its vast experience to deliver flawless, innovative IT services.”
Gerhard Heiberg, Chairman of the Marketing Commission, said: “Atos provides the Olympic Movement with confidence and security by supplying dependable IT systems. After many years of working with Atos, who have consistently delivered on one of the biggest global stages, we are delighted that we will continue to partner with them long into the future.”
Thierry Breton, Chairman and CEO of Atos, said: “We are particularly proud of our long-term partnership with the International Olympic Committee - a relationship based on enduring trust. We will continue to surpass ourselves from one Olympiad to the next, powering progress for the Olympic Movement. Atos leads in applying innovative yet proven business technology, such as secure cloud services, in highly complex projects, bringing together processes, technologies and people."
Patrick Adiba, Group Executive Vice President Human Resources - Olympics & Major Events, commented: “The Games cannot happen today without intensive use of complex information technology. I am delighted we will continue our partnership long into the future, giving us the opportunity for us to share our ambition for making IT at the Games even better thanks to our approach to innovation combined with the highest quality standards in delivery and operations. We will deliver the services over the cloud, providing more efficiency, agility and productivity.”

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The IOC currently has 10 Worldwide TOP Partners for the 2014-2016 period (TOP VIII): Coca-Cola, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, P&G, Samsung and Visa.
The IOC currently has 9 Worldwide TOP Partners for the 2018-2020 period (TOP IX): Coca-Cola, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, P&G and Visa.
The IOC currently has 1 Worldwide TOP Partner for the 2022-2024 period (TOP X): Panasonic.

http://www.olympic.org/sponsors
For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site at www.olympic.org.
About ATOS:Atos SE (Societas europaea) is an international information technology services company with an annual revenue in 2012 of EUR 8.8 billion and 77,100 employees in 52 countries. Serving a global client base, it delivers IT services in three domains: Consulting & Technology Services, Systems Integration and Managed Services & BPO, and transactional services through Worldline. With its deep technology expertise and industry knowledge, it works with clients across the following market sectors: Manufacturing, Retail & Services; Public Sector, Healthcare & Transport; Financial Services; Telco, Media & Utilities.
Atos is focused on business technology that powers progress and helps organisations to create their firm of the future. It is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games, and is quoted on the NYSE Euronext Paris market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting & Technology Services, Worldline and Atos Worldgrid.
http://atos.net/
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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony: Russia welcomes the world

©Getty Images

07/02/2014

On the evening of 7 February 2014, the spectators inside the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi were joined by television viewers worldwide, to witness the breath-taking Opening Ceremony of the XXII Olympic Winter Games.

The three-hour spectacular combined a tribute to Olympism with a marvellous celebration of Russian history and culture that involved a cast of thousands, including sporting icons, ballet stars, acrobats and even cosmonauts - all set against a musical backdrop of Russian classical music.

In the opening sequences of the Ceremony, the audience was treated to an alphabetic evocation of great figures and moments in Russian history, as a giant firework display lit up the Black Sea coastline. Inside the stadium floating islands represented Russia’s vast and varied landscape, from the volcanos of Kamchatka to the forests of the Urals and Siberia’s icebound Lake Baikal. The stage was set for the entrance of the Games’ main protagonists.



Breaking with tradition, the Parade of Athletes, one of the central elements of all Opening Ceremonies, took place at the start and not the finish of the evening, setting the stage for a three-hour spectacle of music, fireworks and breath-taking choreography.

One by one, the 87 delegations entered the Fisht Olympic Stadium to rapturous applause, starting as ever with the Greek athletes and culminating with the host nation, spearheaded by bobsleigh pilot, Alexander Zubkov.

Later, the crowds were wowed by the entrance into the stadium of a 65-metre long troika and a giant inflatable structure in the form Moscow’s iconic St Basil’s Cathedral. Then, to the explosive sound of cannons, the vast army of visionary 17th century tsar, Peter the Great took the stadium by storm, followed by a depiction of the Russian Revolution of 1917. Throughout the Ceremony, the music of Russia’s greatest classical composers such as Tchaikovsky and Prokoviev resonated through the stadium and beyond, providing a stirring backdrop.



The Chairman of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko was the first speaker to take the platform, as he welcomed athletes, delegates and fans to the Russian city : “"Welcome to the 2014 Olympics Winter Games in Sochi," he said. "Our city is unique, as all of Russia is unique. It is the largest country in the world where Europe meets Russia. We are proud to have the privilege to host the entire world."


A new page in Olympic historyIt was then the turn of the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to take centre stage, and he first praised the efforts of the organisers. "Welcome to the XXII Olympic Winter Games. Tonight, we are writing a new page in Olympic history.”
“What took decades in other parts of the world, has been achieved here in just seven years. This is a remarkable achievement.”
He went on to pay tribute to all of the ordinary Russians who, in the spirit of “volunteerism,” had helped lay the foundations for Sochi 2014. "Thousands of volunteers have welcomed us with the well-known warm Russian hospitality. Many thanks to all of the volunteers.”
The IOC President went on to address the athletes, with a stirring reminder of their role as ambassadors for the Olympic ideals and of Olympism: "Russia and the Russians have set the stage for you, the best winter athletes on the planet. From this moment on, you are not only the best athletes, you are Olympic athletes. You will inspire us with your outstanding sports performances.”


“You have come here with your Olympic dream. The International Olympic Committee wants your Olympic Dream to come true. This is why we are investing almost all of our revenues in the worldwide development of sports.  The universal Olympic rules apply to each and every athlete - no matter where you come from or what your background is.”
"Yes, it’s possible - even as competitors - to live together under one roof in harmony ,with tolerance and without any form of discrimination for whatever reason. Yes, it is possible - even as competitors - to listen, to understand and to give an example for a peaceful society."
"Olympic Games are always about building bridges to bring people together. Olympic Games are never about erecting walls to keep people apart. Olympic Games are a sports festival embracing human diversity in great unity."
"Therefore I say to the political leaders of the world: Thank you for supporting your athletes - they are the best ambassadors of your country. Please respect their Olympic Message of good will, of tolerance, of excellence and of peace. Have the courage to address your disagreements in a peaceful, direct political dialogue and not on the backs of these athletes."
Read the full text of the speech of IOC President Thomas Bach


At 22h26 local time, the IOC President then handed over to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, in time-honoured fashion, declared the Games open. Soprano Anna Netrebko performed a moving rendition of the Olympic Anthem before Russian short-track speed skater Ruslan Zakharov stepped forward to take the Olympic oath on behalf of all the athletes, while Vyacheslav Vedenin performed the same task for the judges, while Anastasia Popkova took the oath on behalf of the coaches.



Russian legends light the cauldronAt 22:32 local time, the Olympic flag was borne into the stadium by eight famous Russians, each prominent in a different field: cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel into space, six-time Olympic speed skating champion Lidiya Skoblikova, film director Nikita Mikhailkov, actress Chulpan Khamatova, journalist Anastasia Popova, ice hockey legend Vyacheslav Fetisov, conductor Valeriy Gergiev, and virtual racing driving champion Alan Enileev.


The Olympic torch was then transported, relay style, by six legends of Russian sport. First, tennis star Maria Sharapova, who herself hails from Sochi, carried the flame into the stadium before handing it on to pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva.



It was then passed, in turn, to wrestling champion Aleksandr Karelin and rhythmic gymnastics star Alina Kabayeva. Finally, it fell to former ice skater Irina Rodnina and ice hockey keeper Vladislav Tretiak - both triple Olympic gold medallists - to complete the final leg of the relay and light the Olympic cauldron.


After a dramatic firework finale, the stage was set for 16 days of equally dramatic competition. Let the Games begin!

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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

The Flagbearers for the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony

07/02/2014

Please find below the link to the list of the flagbearers for the 87 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the Independent Olympic Participants participating in the Opening Ceremony of the XXII Olympic Winter Games.

The flagbearers are listed in their order of entry into the stadium.
List of the flagbearers for the 87 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the Independent Olympic Participants

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Welcome to Sochi - the YOG reporting team is here!

©IOC

07/02/2014

Priviet from Ruskiland! It’s time for an Olympic extravaganza, and the YOG reporting team is here in Sochi to bring the you latest from the YOGgies participating in the Olympic Winter Games - from athletes to ambassadors!

We are your roving reporting team who will bring you an insight, YOG-style, into the Games from bright and beautiful Sochi – the breathtakingly spectacular host city. 
Celebrating girl power, first in line is the talented Anna Konovalova, our Russian photographer. She will be snapping the athletes at their colourful best on the slope or from within the rink. This is her first Olympic experience, and the feisty 20-year-old is ready to go! On her home territory, an added advantage of having her around is her proficiency as an interpreter!
After the sweet, let’s bring in the spicy. I’m Sonali Prasad from the sub-tropical island of Singapore. As you can imagine, I am absolutely freezing here but that doesn’t stop me from making my snow angels everywhere I go. I will bring you the brightest and best about our YOG athletes, ambassadors and role models who are here and spreading the YOG spirit long after their Innsbruck 2012 experience! Being a graduate of the Singapore 2010 Young Reporter Programme, I have been on a long journey through to Innsbruck 2012 and London 2012 to finally be here in Sochi. I’m thrilled and excited, so let the Games begin!

KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

World leaders attend first ever IOC President’s Dinner

©IOC/Ian Jones (3)

06/02/2014

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach tonight welcomed international leaders from the world of politics, business, media, science, culture and sport to the inaugural IOC President’s Dinner on the eve of the Opening Ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Heads of states, governments and international organisations in attendance included President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and President of Greece Karolos Papoulias.


Also attending were President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Latvia Andris Bērziņš, President of Mongolia Elbegdorj Tsakhiagiin, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović, President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rhamon. Heads of State who are also IOC members included HSH Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco and HRH Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg.
Prime Ministers included Plamen Oresharski of Bulgaria, Najib Mikati of Lebanon, Algirdas Butkevičius of Lithuania and Abdelilah Benkirane of Morocco. Former Prime Minister of Japan and Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori joined, as did the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard Schröder.


“The purpose of this dinner is to show that the IOC is reaching out to society at large and is looking forward to an open dialogue with the worlds of politics, business, the media, science and culture. We want to share with you the Olympic spirit and the Olympic values”, President Bach said in his welcome speech.

“We have gathered here tonight just as the athletes are doing at this very moment in the Olympic Village next door”, President Bach continued. “Even though they are competitors, they are sharing a meal and enjoying being together in the Olympic community. So let us share this Olympic spirit here tonight.”

Also at the gala were President of the Russian Olympic Committee and IOC member Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Kozak, Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko, and IOC members Vitaly Smirnov, Shamil Tarpishev and Alexander Popov.
Gymnast Larisa Latynina, who won 14 individual Olympic medals, more than any other Olympian in history, and legendary ice hockey goalie Vladislav Tretiak were among the prominent Olympians at the event.

Business representatives at the dinner included CEO of Coca-Cola Muhtar Kent, CEO of Panasonic Kazuhiro Tsuga, CEO of McDonalds Donald Thompson, and CEO of Omega Stephen Urquhart and the heads of Comcast/NBC and Russian broadcasters Channel One, VGTRK and NTV. The first woman in space, cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, soprano Anna Netrebko and violinist-turned-Alpine skier Vanessa Mae were also warmly welcomed.

IOC doyen Vitaly Smirnov shared Master of Ceremony duties with Danka Bartekova, the youngest IOC member, aged 29. The Russian called the evening a night of firsts, both for his country and the Olympic Movement.

“As the longest-serving member of the IOC, I am delighted that I still have the opportunity to witness ‘firsts’ at the Olympic Games”, Smirnov said. “As well as this being the first ever Olympic Winter Games in Russia, this is the first ever IOC President’s Dinner, and it is a very welcome new initiative.”

Bartekova, a bronze medallist in skeet shooting at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games, told the guests that the President’s Dinner was set to become a regular event at future editions of the Games.

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For all other questions, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site at www.olympic.org.
VideosYouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia
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To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.   
   
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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

Athletes settle in to village life

©Getty Images

06/02/2014

Athletes have been settling into the comfortable surroundings of Sochi’s three Olympic Villages, as they prepare to compete in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Approximately 2,800 athletes will be housed in the Coastal Village, Mountain Village and Endurance Village during the Games, which run from 7-23 February.

Residents at each of the villages will have access to a canteen, a medical clinic, fitness centre, multi-religious centre, library, bank, cafes, a club and shops, with all facilities located within walking distance of the residential area. Transport connections are also available within the villages and from the villages to the competition venues, 24 hours a day.
And those athletes who have already arrived seem to be impressed with the facilities on offer. "The people have been really nice and the rooms are really good,” said British short track medal hope Elise Christie. “It's luxury for us short-trackers, really."
The villages have been designed to look completely different in style and colour, with each village featuring a different concept.

The Coastal Village, for instance, reflects the “pride of Russia” and celebrates the country’s excellence in music, ballet, literature, art, science and space. The design philosophy of the Endurance Village, meanwhile, evokes “the fairy tales of Russia” and is decorated with popular folk characters such as Baba Yaga, Firebird, Ilya Muromets, Sadko, Ivan the Fool and the Gray Wolf.
Russia’s Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova, who won 500m gold in Turin in 2006, is the mayor of the Mountain Village and believes that the athletes will never forget the experience of living with their fellow athletes during the Games.
"When I came to my first Olympic Games in Lillehammer, I remember this [the village] first," she said. "I remember what my feeling was. Now, I say to athletes that will be at the Games for the first time, that they will surely remember this for the rest of their life."

Zhurova’s vice-mayor is four-time Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Alexei Nemov – one of Russia's most decorated Olympians of all time. Like Zhurova, the 37-year-old has fond memories of village life.
"I participated in the Olympic Games three times and the villages became a home away from home," he said. "I made many friends there and even though some of us didn't speak English, we all congratulated each other.”
As more athletes arrive in Sochi ahead of the Winter Games, they will soon discover their own “home away from home” in the comfortable surroundings of Sochi’s three unique Olympic Villages.

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KALYAN KUMAR MAHATA The true appellation of Apu.

UN Secretary-General speaks at IOC Session in Sochi

©IOC/Ian Jones

06/02/2014

In an Olympic first, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today addressed the IOC Session in advance of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.

“Today I am in Sochi to witness countries uniting in a spirit of friendly competition and goodwill,” he said on the final day before the Games’ Opening Ceremony. It was the first time that a UN Secretary-General had attended an IOC Session.

Ban Ki-moon praised the joint efforts of the UN and the IOC to use sport as a tool for social change, describing the two organisations as teammates.

“That team – the United Nations and the IOC – are not competing on the ski slopes or skating rinks,” he said. “We are joining our forces together for our shared ideals. Sustainability. Universality. Solidarity. Non-discrimination. The fundamental equality of all people.” 
Ban Ki-moon renewed his call for all warring parties worldwide to observe the Olympic Truce and “to lay down their weapons during the Games – and to lift their sights to the promise of peace. He urged others to follow the example set by the Olympic Winter Games.

“The athletes here carry the flags of different nations – but they are all joining under the banner of equality, fair play, understanding and mutual respect,” he said. “Their histories, traditions and day-to-day lives offer a wonderful parade of human diversity. And the athletes send a unified message that people and nations can put aside their differences. If they can do that in Sochi’s sporting arenas, leaders of fighters should do the same in the world’s combat areas.”


Ban Ki-moon also referred to the IOC’s observer status at the UN and the many joint projects in the field and concluded: “The United Nations will continue to partner with the IOC to build a better, freer and more equal world. I count on your engagement and your support. Let us work together to make this world better for all,” receiving enthusiastic applause from the IOC members.

Responding to the Secretary-General’s remarks, IOC President Thomas Bach called Ban Ki-moon “a great friend of sport and an inspiring world leader who stands for the same values the IOC is embracing.”

Bach added, “Sport is standing for respect and against any form of discrimination. In this respect we are teammates, and as you said, ‘Olympic principles are United Nations principles’.”

After his speech to the Session, Ban Ki-moon attended the Session’s debate about the IOC’s role in society and, just a few hours before he was scheduled to run with Bach in the Olympic Torch Relay in Sochi, the UN Secretary-General received a torch from the IOC President.

Ban Ki-moon will also take the opportunity to tour the Olympic Village, where he will sign the Olympic Truce Wall; and later attend the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games on 7 February. Click here to read Ban Ki-moon’s speech to the 126th IOC Session   
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For all other questions, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000 e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site at www.olympic.org.
VideosYouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia
  PhotosFor an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.

To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.   
   
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