Councilmembers and diplomats gather to send off Olympic athletes

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The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is thousands of miles away from the Sochi Winter Olympics, but today councilmembers and foreign diplomats came together to wish the athletes good luck. 

“It gives me great pleasure to be here today helping to represent the city and wishing our athletes a wonderful send off may these be the best games yet,” said councilman Mitchel O’Farrell.

Three Councilmembers and Consul Generals from seven countries competing in the Olympics took to the mic to talk about their country and wish their athletes good luck.

Amongst the hot topics was tolerance and diversity at the Olympic games.

“And it’s also a vibrant reminder of what the Olympic games are or should be,” said Axel Cruau, French Consul General. “Not only a competition but a coming together, corporation of countries, people coming together with respect and with tolerance for all their diversity.”

The International Olympic Committee has been emphasizing diversity and tolerance, driving attention away from security concerns leading up to the Sochi games.

The Russian Consul General made no comments about the controversies surrounding diversity and security risks.

Another event highlight was talk of holding the 2024 Olympics in Los Angeles.