Every two years since 1924, around the same time,
the winter Olympic Games are held in a large inter-
national city. Everyone around the world has Olympic
fever. We anticipate the majesty of the opening cere-
monies, the diversity of winter events, the athlete’s cra-
zy uniforms, and of course, the question of what coun-
try will win the gold. However, many of us do not take
time to consider why certain cities are selected to host
the Olympic Games. What makes Sochi so special?
The process to become an Olympic host city is extesive
and rigorous. First, the city must submit its name to the
International Olympic Commission (IOC) and become
an “applicant city”. Then, the IOC goes through a check
list of qualifications that the applicant city must up-
hold in order to be considered. Sochi was chosen be-
cause 1.) it was a large enough city to withstand
the traffic that come with hosting the Olympic
Games, 2.) the residents of Sochi felt that the
cost of hosting the Olympics would be worth
the job opportunities and improvement to
the city, and 3.) it had positive media expo-
sure. Sochi, Russia also boasts some of the
cleanest air in the world, because it
is not situated near any industrial
facilities—perfect for Olympic
athletes.
After these qualifications have been met, the city is
considered a “candidate city,” and they will submit
another application and application fee to bid.
The prices for application are outrageously
high—the U.S. paid $15,000 to host the 2012
Olympics—and then the candidate must build
facilities to house the athletes and sports arenas.
Even though the price is steep, the reward of
massive publicity, job opportunities, and
patriotism is what keeps the offers to host
Olympic Games rolling in. February 7th-23rd,
athletes and spectators from 88 different
countries will come together their show support
and pride for their country, and compete for
the gold.
Sources: i-love-moscow.com
teacher.scholastic.com
Shane Witzer 
Hannah Bonanducci