Writing in a column for the New European Online Post, the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014 said: "The real legacy of Sochi 2014 lies in bringing about a deep change within Russian culture.

"Through our Sochi 2014 volunteers movement, thousands of young and enthusiastic Russians are reintroducing volunteering into Russian society, something that has been absent for far too long."

Those volunteering to take part in the Sochi 2014 Olympics will come from all corners of Russia, with 25,000 in total flocking to the Black Sea resort to help out during the Games.

The volunteer legacy is a key part of the strategy for the Games, and Chernyshenko said that this was crucial as "only between five and nine per cents of Russians are involved in volunteering, compared to an average of approximately 30 per cent in other European countries.

"Slowly, the attitude towards volunteering is changing again in my country, and this change is driven to a large extent by enthusiastic young people.

"The volunteering vision of Sochi 2014 was a determining factor in the International Olympic Committee's decision to award the Olympic Winter Games to our city.

"I am certain that Sochi 2014 will live up to its promises.

"Our ultimate goal is to inspire millions to join the revived volunteer movement across Russia, making a meaningful contribution to society that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Centres across the country, including in places such as Arkhangelsk, Saint Petersburg and Vladivostock, have been set up to help train volunteers.

They will gain by being taught new languages, tourism skills and about the environment, with a particular emphasis on foreign languages, Chernyshenko said, with Sochi, like most of Russia, needing to drastically increase the numbers speaking English and other languages by 2014.

Russia has also sought to become more volunteer friendly by reimbursing volunteers for costs, giving them medical insurance and improving the visa process for foreign volunteers.

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