The New Zealand Olympic Committee has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia which signals a commitment to connect the two countries through sport and the Olympic Movement. A meeting between Olympic and government representatives today preceded the signing of the agreement by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia His Excellency Alexander Zhukov and President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Mike Stanley. New Zealand and Russian business, athletes, sport and education will benefit from this new phase in cooperation. President Mike Stanley said the meeting was positive and would have provide significant opportunities. We are looking at access for New Zealand athletes to accommodation and training facilities at the Russian Winter Olympic Training Centre in Russia and access to coaching and performance expertise, he said. We were also delighted at the commitment from Mr Zhukov to providing assistance and expertise in the development of a New Zealand House in Sochi for the Olympic Games in 2014. The new relationship with the Russian Olympic Committee will also provide access to influential business contacts for New Zealanders wishing to do business in Russia. His Excellency Mr Zhukov expressed an interest in coaching exchanges between Russia and New Zealand as well as a desire to bring Russian athletes to New Zealand for competition and training. The signing of the MOU creates a significant base for the promotion of joint cooperation, said Mr Zhukov. Winter Games NZ and our off-season snow facilities were also of significant interest to the Russian delegation. New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General Kereyn Smith said the signing of the MOU was another step in using the international connections of the New Zealand Olympic Committee to build opportunities for New Zealand business and sport. Were building on the momentum of the Rugby World Cup and wed like to see the Business Club model grow and develop around the upcoming Olympic Games in both London and Sochi, she said. The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation is in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. He will attend Russias first Rugby World Cup game in history this week in New Plymouth. He will be joined by Mike Stanley and Kereyn Smith. Mr Zhukov also praised the organization of the event and the hospitality his team received and looks forward to reciprocating when New Zealand athletes visit Russia. The next Olympic Winter Games will take place in Sochi, Russia in February 2014.
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