Olympic Park in Prague is growing rapidly, there may even be a small bridge

Prague - The Prague Olympic Park in Letná still resembles a construction site, similar to the preserved structure of the Blanka tunnel nearby, but it is growing every day and will welcome its first visitors on February 6, the day before the Winter Games in Sochi begin. Today, the organizers started freezing the first ice surfaces and are also considering a small ski jump.
    In the Olympic Park in Letná, which is the first project of the long-term campaign of the Czech Olympic Committee (ČOV) called "Czechia Sports," people will be able to try most winter Olympic disciplines for themselves while cheering at the same time.
    "The main attraction will be a skating track with an ice paradise, which together will offer approximately one kilometer of fenced paths, and a snow park for snowboarders. These are the park's highlights, along with a curling rink," said Jan Plachý, the sports manager of the facility, during today's tour for journalists. "I hope this motivates people to exercise more."
    The construction in Letná is seventy percent complete. The ice surfaces are clearly visible, and for the most part, a freezing "carpet" has been laid on them, allowing for skating even in the case of significant warming. The cold in recent days allowed for enough technical snow to be sprayed needed for cross-country skiing with a laser biathlon shooting range.
    "We also want to create an ice corridor where there will be sleds, bobsleds, and skeletons, and people would be able to try pushing and starting them. We also want to build a small ski jump with jumps up to ten meters. I hope we succeed," stated Plachý.
    "The most challenging part is coordinating construction and monitoring the work process, because we are doing a lot of things and professions at once, working in winter, and we must adhere to all regulations and restrictions associated with the park's grounds. For instance, all trees in the ice surfaces will be wrapped and protected," said the head of the organizing committee, Petr Soukup.
    The only winter Olympic disciplines missing from the park are acrobatic and downhill skiing. However, there will be a ski school for small children. The park's total capacity is estimated at ten thousand people, and the organizers expect about five thousand visitors each day.
    During sports activities, the events in Sochi will be visible on dozens of small and two large screens. "Moreover, there will be an indoor television circuit here, so after Martina Sáblíková, for example, people will be able to see themselves skating," said Zuzana Kalátová, the spokesperson for the Olympic Park.
    The entire area will be illuminated, and ČOV together with its partners will cost a maximum of 80 million crowns. "The total sum depends on the weather, but it certainly will not exceed this amount. The park falls under the 'Czechia Sports' campaign, and the funding is divided partly from the long-term ČOV program and from partners," added Kalátová.
    The Olympic Park will welcome current and former athletes, including hockey players from Sparta and Lev, football players from Sparta, and other personalities. Weekdays in the morning will be reserved for elementary school students who succeeded in the "My Olympics" competition. It will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with free entry for children under 15; otherwise, the admission fee will be 50 crowns.
    Some sports facilities (curling, hockey) can be reserved on the website www.olympijskypark.cz. Interested participants can bring their own sports equipment; with limited capacity, it will be possible to rent skates or skis in the park. Concerts, a fun zone, and food stalls will be prepared on the main stage.