MOSCOW, July (RIA Novosti) - Russia is a strong contender in the bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, Boris Gryzlov, Chairman of the State Duma (parliament's lower chamber) said Tuesday.
Commenting on the nomination of the Russian resort city of Sochi to host the 2014 Winter Olympics Gryzlov said, "I support this initiative and believe most Russians think the same way."
Gryzlov said Russia has been one of the leaders of the Olympic movement, and [Russia's] achievements and contribution to sports have been an integral part of the world sports community.
The Russian Olympic Committee unanimously approved Sochi's bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and intends to send an official application for the bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today (deadline is July 28).
The IOC's vote on the bids will take place in 2007, seven years ahead of the Winter Olympic games.
