The winter Olympics is set to begin on February 7 in Sochi Russia, which is Russia’s largest resort city and Europe’s longest city. The skiing and sliding sports will take place on the Krasnaya Polyana (meaning beautiful glade) Mountains. The games will have 98 events in 15 winter sport categories, some of which include Figure skating, skiing, snow boarding, luge, and ice hockey. This is the first winter Olympic Games that Russia will be hosting and the most expensive at 50 billion dollars being spent. 87 different countries will be competing with 1,300 medals expected to be rewarded to athletes.

Amidst all the game preparation, there have been some controversies over human rights, most notably gay rights. Other controversies include environmental changes due to the construction of the Olympic venues, the killing of stray dogs, and The Circassian’s long-time battle with Russians over the killing of their people 150 years ago, athlete’s injuries due to construction of some of the Olympic courses, and bad hotel conditions where the athletes are staying. In response to these controversies, some countries who qualified for the Olympics have opted out of the games. Gay rights activists across the world are holding protests in response to the laws on homosexuality in Russia.

230 American athletes are participating in the winter Olympics; Shaun White competing in Snowboarding, newbie Mikaela Shriffin in alpine skiing, Gracie Gold in figure skating, Lolo Jones in bobsled and many more. Eight-time Olympic medalist and short track speed skater, Apollo Ohno will be commentating for NBC at the games this year. The closing ceremony will take place on February 23.