Sochi Olympics: Russia marks 500 days to go

Moscow - The organisers of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, are celebrating 500 days until the start of the Games with events across the country.

The day is to culminate in displays put on by 12,000 Olympic volunteers in 17 cities, including the assembly of giant jigsaw puzzles depicting the official pictograms of the 22 Winter Olympic disciplines.

Organisers also used the opportunity to unveil the Games’ official slogan: “Hot.Cool.Yours.”

The committee said the slogan is a “universal solution” that “reflects Russia’s national character, the brand values of Sochi 2014 and also the progressive and innovative approach to organizing and hosting the Games.”

Committee head Dmitry Chernyshenko said the slogan encourages inclusiveness and participation.

“The Sochi 2014 slogan says it’s impossible not to take part, impossible not to watch, impossible not to get excited and it’s worth being proud because these are our Games.”

“Hot” and “cool” are also references to subtropical Sochi’s sun-and-snow climate.

The London Olympics featured the slogan “Inspire a Generation,” while Vancouver 2010 visitors were invited to participate “With Glowing Hearts,” a line from the national anthem.

The Sochi Winter Olympics will take place from February 7 through 23, 2014, and the first test events took place last year.

Last week, the Russian Post Office launched a set of Olympic postage stamps featuring a QR code linking the user to the Sochi 2014 website.