The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics will be the most expensive games in history at an estimated cost of $51 billion. A record 88 countries will participate, including debuts from Paraguay and Zimbabwe. Twelve new winter sports events will also debut. National mascots were chosen from over 24,000 submissions, making this the first time mascots were selected by the entire host country. While Russia previously hosted in 1980, this will be the first time the US participates after boycotting the 1980 games in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The US and Canada will send their largest teams ever to compete.

1. DID YOU
KNOW??

2. The 2014 Sochi Winter Games are set to be the most expensive Olympics
in history, with a cost now estimated to be near $51 billion.
Source: Xfinity.comcast.net

3. A total of 88 countries
(more than ever before)
will be represented, including
first timers Paraguay
and Zimbabwe.
Source: Okmagazine.com

4. Twelve winter sports events (three mixed
events, four men’s events and five women’s
events) will make their debuts in Sochi.
Source: Olympic.org

5. Since 1972, each games must have its own mascots that reflect the host
country and symbolizes the values of the Games.
This year’s mascots are the polar bear, hare, and leopard.
They were chosen from more than 24,000 sketches submitted and makes it the
first time the mascots have been selected by an entire nation.
Source: Today.com

6. The 2014 Winter Olympics will be the second games held in Russia, but only the
first attended by the U.S.
USA boycotted the 1980 games in protest of the invasion of Afghanistan.
Source: xfinity.comcast.net

7. The biggest countries will be sending more athletes
than ever. The United States will send 230
athletes, while Russia will have 225, and Canada will
have 220. The next closest is Switzerland, at a mere
168.

8. Shani Davis and Shaun White, two of the most well-known Olympians, are
going for a three-peat, something no American has ever done.
Source: Bleacherreport.com

9. U.S. athletes will be wearing blue mittens
with “Go USA” on them as part of a
marketing program to help support U.S.
Olympic and Paralympic athletes
Source: Teamusa.org

11. Give Credit Where Credit is Due…
Photo Credits
Compiled by:
Jen Cohen Crompton
@JenCoCrompton
http://populous.com/http://www.newagemusicworld.com/
http://www.olympic.org/
http://cdn3.coresites.mpora.com/skiunion/wpcontent/uploads/2011/04/winterolympics2014sochi-lrg.jpg
http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2014/01/28/sochi-mascots_612x380.jpg
http://populous.com/
http://www.aslatravelgroup.com/
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/
http://www.teamusa.org/ http://www.section303.com/wpcontent/uploads/USA-flag-paintbrush-banner.jpg
http://www.aei-ideas.org/