The Olympic torch relay started in Karelia from one of the largest open-air museums of Russia “Kizhi”.

The Director of the unique historical and nature complex Andrey Nelidov presented the Russian team three mascots, he is sure they will bring fortune to athletes.

He also enlightened the fact that 2014 year when the Olympic Games will take place is also an anniversary of the wooden churches – 300 hundred years of “Preobrazhenskaya” church and 250 years of “Pokrovskaya” church.

Source: the Press Office of the Russian Ski Association