July 4- Sochi 2014 today revealed a set of exclusive images showcasing the latest progress of development in the Black Sea resort to mark the two year anniversary since winning its bid in Guatemala City on July 4 2007.

 

Russian officials claim that the images highlight that while Sochi is reaching the completion of its design and engineering stage of preparations according to its master plan, four venues in the coastal Olympic Park already began development recently.

 

In the Sochi 2014 mountain cluster, progress is actually ahead of schedule, with selected alpine venues under construction for some time and infrastructure developing rapidly.

 

Sochi 2014 are due to celebrate the landmark by taking part at the "Sochi - YES!" Festival.

 

A football match between the city's top youth teams will be staged at the Sochi Central Stadium for the Sochi 2014 Cup, followed by a friendly game between a Sochi 2014 team and a "Druzhba" team of legends of Russian football.

 

The Sochi 2014 team will be made up of members of the organising committee and the Olympstroy State Corporation responsible for Olympic-related construction.

 

 

A gala concert featuring popular Russian musical artists will be staged in Sochi's Theatre Square in the evening.

 

Sochi also today unveiled its latest ambassador, NHL superstar Aleksandr Ovechkin.

 

The 24-year-old Washington Capitals’ forward was voted the best Russian player in the NHL last year and is nicknamed "Aleksandr the Gr8".

 

Ovechkin led the Capitals to the semi-finals of the NHL playoffs this year.

 

He was the regular season’s best scorer with 56 goals, and added 11 more goals in the Stanley Cup.

 

He said: “I am honoured to become an ambassador of the Winter Games to be held in my own country.

 

"When Sochi won in Guatemala, we were happy to find out that we’ll play at home at a brand new stadium built right on the seashore.

 

"As an athlete, I’ll try to do everything possible to help Russia win the hockey gold.

 

"And as ambassador, I’ll put all my effort into providing organisation of the highest level for Sochi-2014."

 

Ovechkin was among those due to play in the football mach.

 

He said: ”For me it’s now hard to imagine a summer without a trip to Sochi. I was here same time last year.

 

"The city is changing rapidly, and I am especially glad that the construction of the hockey arenas is already underway."