Maria Shows Support For Sochi 2014 in London

On the eve of The Wimbledon Championships, Maria Sharapova, two-time Grand Slam winner, today held a tennis skills session on a specially-made winter court to show her support for Sochi 2014.

The "Winter Wimbledon" court was created to show how a tennis match would look amidst the snow and palm trees of Sochi - which is bidding to host Russia's first Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014. This winter setting was given a major twist: the stunning backdrop of London's iconic Tower Bridge in British summertime.

Sochi-raised tennis ace, Sharapova, lobbed and volleyed with an excited group of London children, watched by local crowds.  The scene was completed by ball boys and girls in winter outfits and an umpire sitting atop a snow-capped "mountain" chair.

Sharapova, who became the first-ever Russian tennis player to top the WTA rankings, said:

"Anyone who has been to the city of Sochi, where I fell in love with tennis when I was just four years old, will know it is one of the most beautiful places you could imagine. Beaches are lined with palm tress and the city goes from Black Sea coastline into soaring snow-capped mountains right behind.

"But beyond the beauty of Sochi is the story of thousands of Russians, hoping our country will win the chance to host its first ever Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and help to change their lives forever. What better way to bring all the positives of the international spotlight to Russia than welcoming the world for the Olympic Games?

"With incredible new facilities already being built and major investments in Sochi's infrastructure set to make a real difference in the region, Sochi 2014 has the power to be the true gateway to the future for millions of Russians. I urge sports fans around the world to back Sochi 2014 and give so many youngsters the chance to shine."

Dmitry Chernyshenko, CEO of the Sochi 2014 Bid Committee, who attended the Bid's winter-themed event, said:

"Elite athletes such as Maria Sharapova inspire youngsters in Russia and around the world. That is the very essence of Sochi 2014. A chance for a whole generation of young people to be positively affected forever by seeing their sporting heroes compete on home ice and snow, but also be a part of the journey that our Winter Games Bid will begin. Sochi 2014 will be the catalyst for incredible social and sporting change in Russia and we are proud that a star like Maria Sharapova is doing her utmost to help us fulfil the dream of millions of Russians and bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to the world's largest winter sports country for the first time."

More information on Sochi 2014 ambassadors and other elements of Russia's Bid to host its first Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can be found at: www.sochi2014.com

For further information, please contact:

Sochi 2014 Global Media Office

www.sochi2014.com - media@sochi2014.com