Interfax: Major sporting events boost Russians’ sense of dignity, nation’s openness to world – Putin

SOCHI. Feb 24 (Interfax) – Events such as the Sochi Olympics demonstrate to the whole world that Russia is no stranger to hospitality and success, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“Events such as this are certainly of a nationwide nature, uniting people around absolutely positivity, boosting our sense of dignity while at the same time showing our country’s openness to the whole world,” Putin said at an Olympic award ceremony on Monday.

For Russians, there is nothing surprising about it because they know what they are like, Putin said.

“But it will be no harm to show to the whole world that we are a very well-wishing country which knows how to welcome its guests and create a holiday not only for itself, but for all sports lovers in the world and to demonstrate that we know how to achieve results and success,” Putin said.