City and population
Sochi became world famous after winning the right to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Situated at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, the city stretches along the Black Sea coast for more than 140 km (which allows Sochi to claim the title of the longest city in Europe). This resort has long been particularly popular with Russian tourists and has earned the laurels of the “Russian Riviera”. A few kilometers north of Sochi is the Caucasus Nature Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund. Sochi is connected to other cities in Russia and the world via the nearby Adler International Airport. In preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics, a light rail line will be built in Sochi.
Attractions
The main attraction of Sochi is the unique landscape around the city, which allows you to do both winter and summer sports. In addition, the city itself has a number of stunning architectural monuments, such as the Church of Archimandrite Michael, the Winter Theater and the railway station building. The city is decorated with numerous parks and green squares. They also add their own flavor to the unique appearance of Sochi, which is visited by about two million people every summer.
Football
Sochi’s Zhemchuzhina-Sochi currently plays in the second division, but will be promoted to the first division in the 2010 season, as the team won the second division championship in 2009. Football club Zhemchuzhina-Sochi was founded in 1991, in less than twenty years of its history the team has experienced both ups and downs, for example, after the 2003 season the club was even dissolved due to financial problems. In 2004, a new club was created on the basis of the former Zhemchuzhina called Sochi 04. Then, in 2007, the club was renamed Zhemchuzhina-A. Subsequently, the club was returned to its former name Zhemchuzhina-Sochi.
Stadium
In 2014, Sochi will host the Winter Olympics. In preparation for the Olympics, a federal program was adopted that provides for investments in the amount of 12 billion dollars. Part of these funds will be invested in the development of the city’s infrastructure. In addition, an ultra-modern stadium with a capacity of 45,000 people will be built in the city.
