Sochi 2014 Winter Games

The countdown is on—just one year to go until the Sochi 2014 Winter Games! Canadian athletes are hard at work getting ready to represent their country at the Games.

Sochi, Russia, will host the 2014 Olympic Winter Games from February 7 to 23 and the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games from March 7 to 16.

Through Sport Canada funding programs, the Government of Canada provides financial support to national sport organizations and athletes to prepare for major competitions such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition, support is provided to the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, the organizations responsible for sending our teams to Sochi.

Each year, Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program provides about $146 million to Canadian sport organizations to strengthen our national sport system and benefit our athletes and coaches. Of this amount, approximately $62 million is provided as enhanced excellence funding for targeted sports and athletes with medal potential at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, based on recommendations made by Own the Podium.

Sport Canada’s Athlete Assistance Program also provides more than $27 million each year in direct funding to Canada's international-calibre athletes, giving them financial assistance to achieve world-class results.

Did you know?

  • Team Canada’s greatest Winter Olympic and Paralympic performances were at home in Canada during the Vancouver 2010 Games. Canadian Olympic athletes won 26 medals, 14 of which were gold. The Vancouver Games also Canada win its first Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil. The Canadian Paralympic Team won 19 medals, including 10 gold.
  • The slogan for the Sochi 2014 Games is Hot.Cool.Yours.
  • The mascots for the Olympic Games are the Polar Bear, the Hare, and the Leopard. The Paralympic mascots are Ray of Light and Snowflake.
  • During the Games, Sochi will welcome 5,500 Olympic athletes, 1,350 Paralympic athletes, 25,000 volunteers, and 13,000 members of the media. Sports venues in the Olympic Park will be visited daily by more than 75,000 people, and the Games will be watched by a worldwide television audience.
  • The Cultural Olympiad will be held during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will feature events and performances that showcase the best of Russian culture.

Visit the official website of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games