By Duncan Mackay

Sochi_Drive_August_18_2011August 19 - A record-breaking road-show, Sochi Drive, has begun in Moscow as a part of the build up to the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.


The road-show, which is sponsored by Sochi 2014 Tier One partner Volkswagen, will last for the whole three years ahead of the Games and will visit 14 cities in Russia, with four events being staged before the end of this year. 

The road-show kicked-off on the Vorobievi Gori, on the ground opposite the main Moscow State University entrance.

A complex specially created for Sochi Drive, containing several inflatable pavilions and covering a total area of 7000 sq.m, accommodated 1,000 guests.

The look of the pavilions was designed to closely resemble the event logo - with bright multi-colored arches.

To help keep people entertained there was exhibition performance of winter sports, including figure-skaters, ice hockey players and curling masters who displayed their skills on the indoor skating-ring, and snowboarders who demonstrated tricks on the specially installed ramp.

In addition to the sport, the "Serebro" group and Assai played on a special stage.

Before the end of 2011, Sochi Drive is due to visit the four Russian cities of Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Volgograd and Krasnodar, taking the Olympics and Paralympics to tens of thousands of Russians.

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"The·Sochi·Drive project was created to highlight that·Sochi·2014 is the Games for everyone," said Dmitry Chernyshenko (pictured), the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014.·

"This is the perfect demonstration that shows us as a team that has their sights set on victory in 2014."

Volkswagen signed-up as a Tier One sponsor in September 2009 and will provide Sochi 2014 with 3,500 Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial cars.

"Sochi Drive, for us means 'On the way to Sochi' and it is these words that we have chosen as the slogan of our project," said Markus Ozegovich, the general director of the Volkswagen Group Rus Company. 

"Our aim is to instill Winter Olympiad excitement into all the people of Russia and to instill a feeling of pride for the important role of Russia as the next country to stage the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games."


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Several worldwide Olympic sponsors are also involved in the marathon event.

Coca-Cola will showcase a collection of Olympic torches, souvenirs and collectable artifacts while Panasonic will showcase a presentation of 3D video.

There will also be the opportunity to buy branded Sochi 2014 clothing at the BOSCO Sport stand and other Tier One sponsors, Rosneft and Ingosstrakh, will also be running promotions during the event.

On the Sochi Drive holiday participants will be able to buy clothes with the "Sochi 2014" logo at the BOSCO Sport stand and Rosneft and Ingosstrakh will also take part in promotions.

"I would like to thank Volkswagen Goup Rus Company and all of our partners for the brilliant organisation of the event," said Chernyshenko.

"With their help we can "bring part of the future Games to different Russian cities.

"So buckle up.

"It's going to be a great ride."

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