Olympic Newsdesk: Government Praise for Sochi; Rudge Resigns in Canada

Sochi 2014 Welcomes Government Praise

Sochi 2014 organizers received praise from the government on Wednesday for its work in the first quarter of this year including during the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Deputy Prime Minister and Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee Supervisory Board Alexander Zhukov said . Sochi 2014 put on a good show while in Vancouver. Sochi participated in the IOC Observer Program in Vancouver.

"The Supervisory Board acknowledges that the Organizing Committee successfully implemented its duties during the 2010 Games, which included the "Sochi 2014 Days in Vancouver" and Sochi World projects, as well as organizing the Handover Ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Flags to Sochi," Zhukov said. "These events successfully promoted the overseas image of Sochi as the host city of the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

Rudge Resigns as COC Secretary General

Chris Rudge will step down as Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee on April 15.

The COC announced his resignation Wednesday.

"They say timing is everything and throughout my many careers I’ve always observed that it is important to know when to go," said Rudge. "The past seven plus years have been inspiring, and were highlighted by an unforgettable Vancouver Games that are sure to leave an indelible mark on our national soul."

Rudge has served as CEO since 2003. The COC said it expects a replacement to be announced "shortly".

His departure is part of the changing of the guards at the COC. Marcel Aubut will replace Mike Chambers as president of the COC later this month.

"I would like to thank Chris for his years of dedication to the Olympic Movement and the contributions he made in building a stronger COC and sport system in Canada," said COC President-Elect Marcel Aubut.

"I know he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. Chris is not one to sit still and I know we will see him accomplish much more as he moves on to his next mountain to climb."

New Squash Chief Aiming for Olympic Inclusion

The World Squash Federation appointed veteran squash leader Andrew Shelley as its next CEO.

When he joins WSF, he will lead a charge for squash to become an Olympic Sport. Squash failed in its bid to join the 2016 program and hopes to be a part of the 2020 Games.

"WSF has been without a CEO for some time now: we needed to rebuild our reserves and start a fund for the next Olympic Bid after the recent costs of 'Squash for 2016'," WSF President N. Ramachandran. "However, we were very conscious that we needed the drive of a CEO to take us forward, both to implement our long-term strategic plan and also to advance the areas where we need to strengthen our case for the vote in 2013 for the Olympic medal place in 2020."

Shelley is the head of the Women’s International Squash Players' Association where he has worked for the past 15 years.

Shelley will start his duties with WSF on August 1.

"So when the WSF offered me their CEO position a few days ago, it didn’t take me long to say yes!," Shelly said. "My priority now is to ensure a smooth transition for my successor at WISPA, then I greatly relish the opportunity to work with the member nations, player associations, partners and supporters ofWorld Squash as we look to add still further to its two Vs ….. Visibility and Vibrancy."

Gravel Arrives in Sochi

Gravel to be used in Olympic construction was the first cargo shipment to arrive at Sochi’s new cargo port. The cargo port is part of new infrastructure to bring in building materials for Olympic venues.

The terminal can receive 2 million tons a year. The entire port is set for completion in December.

After the Olympics the port will become a marina for 600 to 700 yachts.

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With reporting from Ed Hula III and Sam Steinberg.