83 per cent of Russians hold positive view of Sochi Games

Eight per cent are neutral toward the Games, seven per cent are skeptical, and there are very few critics – this number has decreased over the year and now totals just two per cent.

A majority of residents in Russia positively view the upcoming Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, according to results of a sociological survey conducted in April and May in 22 cities across Russia.

Nearly all of the research participants were aware of the upcoming Olympics (97 per cent) and Paralympic (93 per cent) Games.

The vast majority of Russians (83 per cent) have a positive attitude toward the Games in Sochi.

Forty-six per cent strongly support the idea of holding the Winter Games in Russia (an increase of five per cent compared to 2012), and another 37 per cent are supporters of the Games.

Eight per cent are neutral toward the Games, seven per cent are skeptical, and there are very few critics – this number has decreased over the year and now totals just two per cent.

The branding of the Sochi 2014 Games is positively perceived by the majority of the population (74 per cent); the Torch (77 per cent) and Sochi 2014 logo (70 per cent) are also viewed favorably.

Nintey-nine per cent of respondents spontaneously recognised the emblem of the Sochi 2014 Games.

Overall, 66 per cent of respondents would like to buy products with the symbol of the Games, including mascots (66 per cent), clothing (59 per cent) and other souvenirs (53 per cent).

Most of the population plans to follow the progress of the Games on television (81 per cent) and the internet (81 per cent).

Additionally, a significant number of people will follow the progress of the Games on mobile applications (25 per cent), which is a six per cent increase from last year.

The Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 7-23 February next year. There will be nearly 1,650 athletes and team members from 45 countries taking part in 72 medal events across five sports.