LONDON - IOC President Thomas Bach defended the choice of Sochi as host of the Winter Olympics on Monday and said hes "sleeping very well" despite the terror threat hanging over the games. Lane Johnson Jersey . Bach reiterated his confidence that Russia will provide "safe and secure" games without taking away from a festive Olympic atmosphere. Russia is mounting a massive security operation for the games, which open Feb. 7 amid threats of attacks from Muslim insurgents from the North Caucasus region. "We have full confidence in the host country and we also know that Russia and the Russian (security) services are working closely with different international services in order to ensure that all the participants and spectators in the games can feel safe and secure," Bach said in a conference call with reporters. On a separate issue, Bach repeated that Russia has promised that athletes and spectators will not face any discrimination based on sexual orientation. Russia enacted a law last year banning gay "propaganda" among minors. Bach said athletes are free to speak out on any political issues at news conferences at the games, but are prohibited from doing so on the medal podium or other Olympic sites. "Its very clear that the games cannot be used as a stage for political demonstrations," he said. "The IOC will take, if necessary, individual decisions based on the individual case. On the other hand, the athletes, of course, enjoy the freedom of speech. So, if in a press conference they want to make a political statement, then they are absolutely free to do so." More than 50,000 police and military personnel are being deployed to guard Russias first Winter Games. An Islamic militant group in Dagestan claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed 34 people in late December in Volgograd and threatened to attack the games in Sochi. Russian security officials have been hunting for three potential female suicide bombers, one of whom is believed to be in Sochi itself. Bach said the International Olympic Committee remains in constant contact with Russia about the security measures. Asked whether hes worried, he said, "Im sorry to tell you Im sleeping very well." "Im really looking forward to the first Winter Games under my presidency and Im very confident they will be successful," said the German, who was elected head of the IOC in September, succeeding Jacques Rogge after 12 years in office. Bach compared the security situation to that of the 2002 Salt Lake City Games in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in the U.S. "In Salt Lake City there were thousands of security people around the place and people still felt fine and appreciated seeing that security was being taken seriously," he said. "I think the security forces can operate in a way that doesnt affect the atmosphere." Bach also defended Russias massive spending on the games. The $51 billion price tag — which includes the cost of roads, railways, hotels and other projects — is a record for any Olympics. Bach said Russia was using the Olympics as a "catalyst" to transform the region and create a winter sports complex for the entire country. Its up to host nations, he said, to decide how — and how much — they invest in long-term infrastructure projects. The spending on the Sochi Olympics has been engulfed in claims of kickbacks and other corruption. On Monday, anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny claimed that Russia spent twice as much as necessary to build at least 10 of the Olympic venues. Bach said the IOC stands "against any form of corruption," adding that he hopes people can differentiate "between just a general claim and concrete information." In general, Bach said, the Olympic atmosphere is building up in Sochi as the games approach. Referring to concerns about warm weather in the subtropical area, he said there was "plenty of snow" and more was forecast for later in the week. "I think overall we can say Sochi is ready to welcome the best winter athletes of the world," Bach said. Josh Sweat Jersey . Wayne and Cindy Tuck of Ilderton, Ont., closed out round-robin play earlier in the day with a 7-3 win over Finland but needed a win over Austria to reach the final eight. Tre Sullivan Jersey . MacLean clocked 8:24.91 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 8:27.59 set by Brittany Reimer of Victoria at the 2005 FINA World Championships in Montreal. MacLean and Tabitha Baumann of Ottawa -- second in 8:32.37 -- both went under the qualifying standard to be nominated to the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific teams. http://www.cheapeaglesjerseyssale.com/?tag=d-j-alexander-jersey-sale . Ellis had a season-high 37 points and two key assists late, Dirk Nowitzki led a fourth-quarter rally with 14 of his 35 points, and the Mavericks spoiled Howards best offensive night in Houston with a 123-120 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night.BERLIN -- Ricardo Rodriguez scored two goals and set up another as Wolfsburg defeated 10-man Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 in the Bundesliga for its first win of the season on Sunday. The Swiss defender opened the scoring with a penalty in the eighth minute. Leverkusen right back Giulio Donati was sent off for conceding it by bringing down Junior Malanda, who was through on goal. Josip Drmic equalized with his first goal for Leverkusen in the 29th, when he held off Rodriguez and clipped the ball past Diego Benaglio after Karim Bellarabi headed on a long kick-out from Bernd Leno. Vieirinha restored the home sides lead by scoring on his 50th Bundesliga appearance with a header from Rodriguez cross before the interval. Rodriguez all but secured the result with a well-struck volley from Kevin de Bruynes corner in the 63rd, before substitute Aaron Hunt definitely settled it in the 81st. "We wanted to show a reaction and we did that today," said Rodriguez, referring to Wolfsburgs 4-1 loss at Everton in the Europa League on Thursday. "We fought for 90 minutes. We have to carry on like that." Leverkusen was left to rue Donatis sending off after missing the chance to go top with its first league loss of the season. "I think its harsh to make such a decision thats going to influence the game so significantly after five minutes," Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt said. Schmidts side has not won in three competitive games after he started his tenure with five straight victories. Cologne and Borussia Moenchengladbach played out a scoreless draw in a bad-tempered Rhineland derby later. DeAndre Carter Jersey. "There was a bit of spark, which I found good," Moenchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl said. "Everything was kept within its limits." The best early chance fell to Pawel Olkowski in the 17th but Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer saved at the near post. Gladbach improved later in the half and dominated possession but couldnt find a way though the home sides well-organized defence. Max Kruse came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock after the interval only to see his header flash wide of the far post. "Im satisfied. Its OK to take a point sometimes against an opponent like Gladbach," said Cologne coach Peter Stoeger after his sides third scoreless draw from four games. The other match was a victory, meaning Cologne remains undefeated on its return to the Bundesliga after two seasons in the second division. "Weve six points from four games, thats in order," Stoeger said. There was trouble before the game with clashes between rival fans, news agency dpa reported. A police spokesman said one officer received slight injuries and around 50 to 60 supporters were arrested. Paderborn leads the table on goal difference. The promoted side, which is playing its first Bundesliga season, defeated Hannover 2-0 on Saturday with Moritz Stoppelkamp scoring a record 83-meter (yard) goal. Defending champion Bayern Munich was held to a 0-0 draw at Hamburger SV, while injury-hit Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Mainz, also Saturday. Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap Adidas Hockey Jerseys Wholesale Nike Baseball Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys From China Wholesale Jerseys China Wholesale NFL Jerseys China Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys Authentic Cheap NHL Jerseys Canada Cheap Nike MLB Jerseys Cheap Soccer Jerseys China NCAA Jerseys Cheap Nike NHL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys Store Cheap Football Jerseys Store Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Jerseys NCAA China Jerseys NFL Cheap Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys ' ' '