Russia guarantees safety at Winter Games

Russia security forces are on high alert ahead of the tomorrow’s official opening of the Winter Games at Sochi.

Islamist militants have threatened to disrupt the event but authorities have played down warnings, saying there is no reason to believe there is a greater danger in Sochi than in any other city.

For some athletes, there is no alarming cause for concern.

Swiss luger, Martina Kocher, said: “We can go straight from the village to the Sanki Centre and actually it is no problem and I feel very safe as an athlete.”

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak believes visitors to Sochi will be safe.

“Our security services are working with colleagues from Europe and North America,” Kozak told reporters in Sochi. “We can guarantee the safety of people as well as any other government hosting any mass event,” he added, speaking through a translator.

President Vladimir Putin has staked his reputation on the Games, and has sought to reassure visitors by saying that a “ring of steel” around the venues would make them safe.

To counter the threat, Russia has put about 37,000 personnel on combat alert in Sochi and drones and warships are being deployed.