SKATING FANS UNFORGETTABLE OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
COSPORT OFFERS FIGURE
BY KAMA KORVELA If you plan to attend the 2014 Olympic Winter
Games, which take place February 6–23, consider purchasing a hotel and ticket package from Co- Sport. “For athletes and fans alike, there are few ex-
periences more exhilarating than being part of the Olympic Games,” Robert F. Long, president of Co- Sport, said. “We are excited to extend an invitation to fans around the country to share this experience in Sochi.” The company offers many packages that have
been designed to meet a variety of needs, interests and budgets — including a special package for fig- ure skating fans. “As the exclusive Olympic ticket and hospital-
ity provider for U.S. Figure Skating, we’ve listened carefully and are working hard to ensure America’s skaters have American fans in the stands cheering their efforts in Sochi,” Long said. To learn more about these packages, visit
https://usfigureskating.cosport.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit U.S. Figure Skating’s Team USA Program. As an added bonus, SKATING maga- zine readers can use the package code SK84GOLD for a special discount on available hotel and ticket packages. There are several things to keep in mind when
traveling to Sochi, according to CoSport. Here are some helpful tips: Be ready for the time change. Sochi is nine or
more hours ahead of the United States, so you may experience jet lag. Consider touring other Russian cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg in advance of Sochi to acclimate to the time difference, as well as experience more of Russia. The official currency of Russia is the Russian
ruble. At the Olympic venues and other Sochi 2014 sites, VISA® debit/credit cards will also be accepted as a form of payment. When applying for your tourist visa to Russia,
consider using a reputable visa processing ser- vice. The application process tends to be smoother when you are guided by a U.S.-based agency that understands the intricacies for Americans trying to secure a visa to Russia. Manage your expectations of Russian custom-
er service. Sochi’s service standards are quickly ap- proaching that of Moscow, St. Petersburg and what you are accustomed to in North America, but please be prepared and open to new experiences — your Russian hosts will always do their best to welcome you and make you feel comfortable.
28 OCTOBER 2013 The figure skating event will take place inside the magnificent Iceberg Skating Palace. by KAMA KORVELA Sochi, Russia, remains a mystery to many Americans, but in a few short
months, hundreds of thousands of visitors will travel to the “Russian Riv- iera” to see some of the world’s top athletes perform at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
Te city is home to 350,000 people and is located in southwestern Russia, in the Krasnodar Krai region. Te city borders the Black Sea, which is a pop- ular resort destination for many Russians because of its amenities, including traditional baths and spas called banyas. Te unofficial summer capital of Russia is unique because it offers a
diversity of environments. From the beaches and palm trees of the Black Sea to the snowcapped mountains, Sochi presents many beautiful natural features. Culturally speaking, Sochi is a unique melting pot of many influenc-
es, including Russian, Greek, Byzantine, Abkhazian and Ottoman. When walking through the city, it’s easy to spot these influences in the architecture, food and art.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOCHI 2014 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE PRESS OFFICE
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