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LONDON -- After all the talk of terror threats, corruption, overspending and anti-gay legislation, the head of the Sochi Olympics is determined to show the world the games will be a huge success. Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. "History will be made," he said of Russias first Winter Games. With Sochi facing threats of terrorist attacks from insurgents from the North Caucasus, Chernyshenko said the city is the "most secure venue at the moment on the planet" and promised that tight security measures will not detract from the atmosphere of the games. "I can assure you that Sochi will be among the most security-friendly games and all the procedures will be very gentle and smooth," he said in a conference call with reporters. Russia is deploying more than 50,000 police and soldiers to guard the Olympics. A Muslim militant group claimed responsibility for back-to-back suicide bombings that killed 34 people in Volgograd in late December and threatened attacks on the games. "You will see thousands of (security) people around but its important to understand that the Olympics is a global event and the security is also a global multi-national event and state authorities are doing (their) utmost to deliver Sochi as safest for everyone," Chernyshenko said. Referring to the Russian law banning gay "propaganda" among minors, he repeated assurances that Russia will not discriminate against anyone at the Olympics on the basis of sexual orientation. However, Chernyshenko appeared to contradict IOC President Thomas Bach, who said Monday that athletes -- prohibited by the Olympic Charter from political demonstrations or gestures on the medal stand and other venues -- would be free to express their personal political views at news conferences. "I dont think they are allowed by charter to express those views that (are) not related to the sport at the press conference room," Chernyshenko said, adding that organizers had set up a protest zone -- or "Speakers Corner" -- in the city. The uproar over the gay law, as well as criticism of Russias human rights record and Vladimir Putins policies, has led a number of Western political leaders to shun the Feb. 7 opening ceremony and the games. Chernyshenko, however, said the number of world leaders attending the ceremony would be "the highest in the history of the Winter Games." He declined to give the number. The Sochi organizing committee said later in an email that heads of state or government from 52 countries would be attending. Russia is spending a record $51 billion on the games, including the long-term infrastructure investment in roads, tunnels, railways and hotels to turn Sochi into a year-round resort. Critics allege that billions of dollars have disappeared in kickbacks and other corrupt deals. Chernyshenko dismissed suggestions that claims of misspending had tainted the games. "If you come and look around, this is the most state-of-the-art sports facilities in the world," he said. "Everything will be the cutting edge. This would not have been possible if these allegations of so-called corruption were true. The stadiums, the roads, the new hotel rooms -- this infrastructure speaks for itself." Ticket sales have also been an issue, with many foreign fans staying away, raising concerns over the prospect of empty seats. Chernyshenko said more than 70 per cent of the tickets have been sold, with 20 per cent set aside for fans to buy on site at box offices. "Its high demand, long queues," he said. "Im quite confident that the stands will be full." Chernyshenko, who comes from Sochi and has worked on the Olympic project for a decade, said he had no regrets despite all the criticism that has been levelled at the games. "Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and now Sochi has really become brilliant and a showcase of new Russia," he said, calling it "the role model, the blue print for the rest of the country to follow." Meantime, Chernyshenko said, Sochi has plenty of snow and the three Olympic Villages will open to the athletes on Thursday. "Were fully ready," he said. "Were in a great shape. Everything is in place. The only thing remaining is for the athletes to come and shine at the venues. Everything so far is perfect." Wholesale Air Jordan . -- Caris LeVert had 14 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, and No. Discount Air Jordan . -- Canadian freestyle skier Roz Groenewoud isnt letting surgery to both of her knees deter her expectations for the Sochi Olympics. https://www.wholesalejordanshoeschina.com/. Forsman closed with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions Sunday for his third Champions Tour title. He beat Jay Don Blake by two shots. Air Jordan 19 For Sale . The first baseman hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to lead the Mets to a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Air Jordan Sale . Charlottetown scored four times in the third period en route to a 5-2 win over the defending champion Halifax Mooseheads on Friday.TORONTO -- Toronto FC rewarded goalkeeper Joe Bendik with a new deal Tuesday while dealing former starter Stefan Frei to the Seattle Sounders. Frei, Torontos longest-serving player, lost his job to injury in 2012 and the fine play of Bendik this season. His US$200,000 contract expired at the end of the season but Toronto retained his rights though Thursdays first stage of the MLS re-entry process. Frei signed a new contract with Seattle shortly after the trade. "Joe had an opportunity to step in and prove himself this season and he did so in a big way," Toronto GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. Hes still a relatively young keeper who showed he has the ability and mentality to handle a full season of MLS play. "We are excited to watch him continue to develop his skills and be a leader on our re-shaped roster next season. We are confident that we have addressed our goalkeeper situation for the upcoming season, while adding increased roster and cap flexibility in the process." Toronto, meanwhile, may be close to landing a new designated player. Brazilian Gilberto was said to be at the Toronto Raptors game Tuesday night. Bendik, 24, started 33 games for Toronto in 2013, finishing with a 6-16-11 record and four shutouts. His salary was listed at US$46,500. Prior to being acquired by Toronto FC, he made five appearances and started in three games for Portland durring the 2012 season.dddddddddddd Frei, 27, is Torontos all-time leader in appearances across all competitions (99). He has a 1.54 goals-against average in 82 regular-season starts. "Stefan is a goalkeeper we have liked for a number of years," Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid said in a statement Tuesday. "He is a quality professional who brings experience and leadership to the position. Adding Stefan at this point of his career was very attractive to us." Toronto receives a conditional 2015 first-round MLS SuperDraft pick from Seattle. The Sounders currently have 41-year-old Marcus Hahnemann and 26-year-old Josh Ford as goalies on their roster. "Parting with a player of Stefans calibre and character is always difficult, but as we move forward with our re-shaping of the club, it is important that we have increased flexibility to make additional moves. This trade provides us with that flexibility," said Bezbatchenko. "Stefan is a great player and an even better person who will always hold a special place in the clubs history. We wish him all the best as he moves on to the next stage of his career." Toronto also has goalkeepers Chris Konopka and Quillan Roberts on its roster. On Monday, Toronto acquired Brazilian midfielder Jackson from FC Dallas in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2015 draft and allocation money. ' ' '