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Russian resort Sochi celebrates Winter Olympic bidding triumph |
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11:10, July 05, 2007 |
When Sochi won the hosting right for the 2014 Winter Olympics, thousands of Russian people roared and jumped into the air early Thursday in the Black Sea city.
A crowd of 10,000 people on a central square in Sochi erupted after being pumped up by eight hours of music when Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, opened an envelope to announce in Guatemala city that Sochi won the hosting rights.
People at the square chanted "Russia, Russia", followed by a burst of fireworks.
"I've forgotten what it's like to be this happy," said resident Zagir Sadigov. "I'm so happy I could cry."
"I knew we'd do it, there's no one better than us," said Daria Popova, 20, with a Russian flag painted on her face.
State news channel Vesti carried coverage all day, repeating footage the decision hours after the IOC meeting had closed.
The decision triggers a 12-billion-dollar financial windfall from the government to the country's most popular summer resort, which will embark on a seven-year building spree.
President Vladimir Putin, a regular visitor to the region, spoke live in English for the first time during the bid's presentation in Guatemala.
"We couldn't have done it without him," said Andrei Kravchenko, 20, taking pictures of the fireworks with his camera phone.
Source: Xinhua
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