The build-up to the Games, due to open on February 7, have been increasingly overshadowed by protests about Russia's controversial anti-gay propaganda law and the country's human rights record, leading to the leaders of several leading countries refusing to attend Sochi 2014.

But Vizer has used his first end of year message since being elected in May to replace Hein Verbruggen as President of SportAccord, the umbrella organisation for both Olympic and non-Olympic international sports federations, to praise Russia's preparations for the Games, the first time Russia has hosted the Olympics since Moscow in 1980.

Preparations for Sochi 2014 have been personally overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is determined that they will be a success ©AFP/Getty Images

"The Sochi Winter Games represent, not only, a magnificent financial effort from Russia and the exclusive attention of President Vladimir Putin, but they are also an outstanding effort of respect and solidarity towards humanity, a noble gesture of appreciation from the Russian people towards all the countries of the world that will participate in this event," wrote Vizer, who is also President of the International Judo Federation.

"These Games are staged to welcome all those who have a special role in sports, politics, media and human values.

"I consider that athletes, politicians, media and all the entities that define the human values must be not only solidary with Russia's efforts of respect, but on the occasion of this event, they should also support and celebrate together a total gesture of solidarity, unity and appreciation in order to become themselves an example for humankind."

Vizer, a close ally of Putin's, claimed Russia deserves praise for the money it has invested in hosting major events. 

SportAccord President Marius Vizer (left) is a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both sharing a mutual love of judo, watching the sport together at London 2012
©AFP/Getty Images

This year it staged the Rugby Sevens World Cup and the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Moscow and the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, as well as the SportAccord International Convention in St Petersburg, where VIzer was elected President.

It was the start of a "Decade of Sport" which, besides Sochi 2014, will also include the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, 2016 World Ice Hockey Championships, 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk.

"We are now in a moment where society should reconsider its priorities and everyday life values, with a positive attitude towards those nations and those leaders who dedicate and invest magnificent efforts for the wealth of humanity and the expression of the undeniable values of sports - one of the highest expressions of the human spirit and one of the most educational activities of society," wrote Vizer.