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. 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. Luke Kunin Jersey . - In about six minutes, the Memphis Grizzlies had allowed their 23-point lead to be cut to seven. Greg Pateryn Wild Jersey . TSN 1290s game day coverage begins on Monday, June 9 at 5:30pm ct as the Blue Bombers take on the Toronto Argonauts in pre-season action. Bombers game day broadcasts on TSN 1290 are hosted by Winnipeg Blue Bomber Hall of Famers Troy Westwood and new addition Chris Walby, alongside beat reporter Darrin Bauming, who delivers regular reports on the team for TSN 1290 all-season long. http://www.authenticwildpro.com/Joel-eri...ild-jersey/.com) - Mikko Korhonen carded a 5-under 67 on Thursday to claim medalist honors at the European Tours Final Qualifying Stage tournament. Jonas Brodin Jersey . Warren made six birdies and a bogey for a 5-under total of 139 to sit one shot ahead of Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who carded a 69. David Horsey of England was also on 5 under through 15 holes to join Warren atop the leaderboard before play was stopped. Ryan Suter Jersey .m. ET, CBSOPENING LINE — Colts by 5RECORD VS. SPREAD — Cincinnati 8-8, Indianapolis 11-5SERIES RECORD — Colts lead 18-10LAST MEETING — Colts beat Bengals 27-0, Oct.Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SportsNetwork.com) - Benjamin Hebert closed with a 3-under 69 on Saturday and he won the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final. Hebert finished at 12-under-par 276. This was his third victory of the season on the European Challenge Tour, and the sixth win of his career on that tour. He also won three times in the 2011 season, making him the first player in Challenge Tour history to win three times in one season on two separate occasions. The Frenchman got on the board with a birdie at the first at Al Badia Golf Club. After three pars, he birdied the fifth and sixth. Hebert stumbled to a bogey on the par-4 ninth. He again carded back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15 to move to 13-under. Hebert tripped to a bogey at thhe 17th and parred the last to close out the 5-stroke win.dddddddddddd. Jerome Lando Casanova also shot 69 on Saturday and he finished second at minus-7. Oliver Farr grabbed third place at 6-under 282 after a final-round 73. Former U.S. Amateur champion Byeong-hun An ended alone in fourth at minus-5 after closing with a 4-under 68. Following the event, the top-15 players on the Order of Merit earned their European Tour cards for 2015. Hebert finished second on that list and Lando Casanova soared 25 spots to No. 13. The top 15 were Andrew Johnson, Hebert, An, Moritz Lampert, Mark Tullo, Sam Hutsby, Jordi Garcia Pinto, Jason Palmer, Michael Lorenzo-Vera, Farr, Edouard Espana, Florian Fritsch, Lando Casanova, Jake Roos and Jason Barnes. ' ' '