Vladimir Putin meets with Sochi 2014 volunteers

There will be 25,000 volunteers welcoming visitors to Sochi, chosen from more than 200,000 applicants who illustrated the new spirit of volunteerism that has spread through Russia as a direct result of the Games, and which aims to be a lasting legacy of Sochi 2014.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with 40 Sochi 2014 volunteers on Friday (18 January) ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

There will be 25,000 volunteers welcoming visitors to Sochi, chosen from more than 200,000 applicants who illustrated the new spirit of volunteerism that has spread through Russia as a direct result of the Games, and which aims to be a lasting legacy of Sochi 2014.

"We very much hope that you, the volunteers, will create the unique atmosphere for the Games,” Putin told the volunteers. "It is on your ability to create this atmosphere that the mood of the (Games) guests and competitors will depend on. And this is one of the most important things in the (Games) programme.”

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will run from 7-16 March, as 72 medal events will be contested across five sports.

Sochi 2014 volunteers will help out with everything from sports competitions and press operations to transportation and village services.

Julien Gagnon, a Canadian Sochi 2014 volunteer, said: “I serve as an interpreter in the Main Media Centre. It is my first time in Russia and I’m very proud to work at the Games in Sochi.”

Andrey Maykapar, a Russian Sochi 2014 volunteer, said: “The most enjoyable thing about being here is interacting with different people. It’s such a pleasure dealing with people from so many different countries and different backgrounds.”