The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games had its sixth meeting in Sochi 12-14 September, noting the good progress being made at all levels, in particular measures to generate interest in the Games across the country.

Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy, mentioned that they have been impressed with the way organizers have reached out to people in every corner of the country to make them feel part of the Sochi Games.

Some examples of this reach can be seen in Sochi 2014's Cultural Olympiad, which will hold 850 events this year, with an anticipated reach of over 1 million people, while Sochi's education program is seeing lessons on the 2014 Games being taught to 140,000 schoolchildren in 30 cities.

On the volunteer front, 26 “hubs” have been set up at universities around Russia, where prospective volunteers are trained and provided information about the Games. Killy and Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli, who met with the rectors of the volunteer hubs during the visit, said the program will leave a great legacy for the nation and the Olympic Movement in Russia.

The country and city is greatly benefiting from the catalytic effect of the Games in terms of tourism, elite sporting events, and participation in sports. These trends should continue for the foreseeable future with over 60 test events planned before the 2014 Olympics.