2014 Winter Olympics: Let the games begin

The 22nd Winter Olympics got underway today at Sochi, Russia amid concerns over possible terrorist attacks during the Olympics, with several terrorist groups—notably rebel groups in the war torn North Caucasus region of Russia, which borders Sochi—vowing to attack during the Games. Terror group Caucasus Emirate claimed responsibility for December attacks on public transit in the city of Volgograd, about 600 miles to the northeast of Sochi, and the fear is that similar attacks could be planned at transit hubs athletes and spectators will use on the way to and from the Olympics.

Security is not the only concern with the lead-up to the 2014 Winter Olympics has been marked by several major controversies, including allegations of corruption leading to the cost overruns, and concerns for the safety and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) athletes and supporters during the Games due to the country’s recent ban on the promotion of LGBT relationships to minors, which has led to many protests across Russia as well as all over the world.

Well as for the Olympics, 98 events over 15 disciplines in 7 sports will be held throughout the Games from 7th February to 23rd February. The Games will be held in two clusters of venues; an Olympic Park constructed in Sochi’s Imeretinsky Valley on the coast of the Black Sea, with Fisht Olympic Stadium and the Games’ indoor venues located within walking distance, and snow events will be held in the nearby mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana. A record 88 nations have qualified to compete, which beats the previous record of 82 set at the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The official mascots consist of a polar bear, a European hare, and an Amur leopard.