Russian 2014 Olympic work 'on schedule'

SOCHI, Russia, April 15 (UPI) -- An International Olympic commission chairman described work done ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia as "awe-inspiring."

Chairman Jean-Claude Killy led an IOC Coordination Commission visit to Sochi, Russia, for an update on preparations for the 2014 Winter Games.

"It is awe-inspiring work that is being undertaken in the Sochi region," Killy said Thursday at the end of the visit. "With 43 construction sites that are operational 24 hours a day, employing around 16,000 workers, we are looking at one of Europe's biggest and most ambitious construction projects, and I am pleased to report that work is on schedule."

Killy said commission members reminded Sochi organizers "they need to continue moving forward" on areas such as accommodation, workforce recruitment and training, and construction.

Sochi Organizing Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko said, "Across the board, rapid progress is being made in our preparations to host the most innovative Winter Games ever. We will deliver on all our promises."

The Sochi Olympic Games are scheduled for Feb. 7-23, 2014.