Russia's southern resort city of Sochi is strengthening its bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Following the inauguration of a newly constructed international airport, a new skating rink has been opened in the city.

This is just one of the infrastructure project to be assessed by the Evaluation Commission of the International Olympic Committee, expected to arrive next week.

The residents of the southern city are not used to this kind of sports activities, but seem to take great interest in the novelty. Since its opening last week, the skating rink has been constantly full, with people coming again and again. Among them, both professionals and amateurs, with almost no age limits.

Sportswear stores have enjoyed an inflow of customers asking for skates. However, it is still difficult to satisfy the demand immediately, and the shops will have to review the range of goods sold.

However, the city residents do not seem to care much, since skates and other necessary equipment can be easily rented at the rink.