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SOCHI, Russia -- IOC President Thomas Bach accused world leaders Tuesday of using the Sochi Olympics as a political platform "on the backs of the athletes," and of snubbing the games without even being invited. Cheap Air Jordan China . Three days before the opening of Russias first Winter Games, Bach used a hard-hitting speech to call out politicians for using the Olympics to make an "ostentatious gesture" serving their own agendas. Without naming any individuals, Bachs comments appeared directed at President Barack Obama and European politicians who have taken stands against Russias law banning gay "propaganda" among minors. The Olympics, Bach said, should not be "used as a stage for political dissent or for trying to score points in internal or external political contests." "Have the courage to address your disagreements in a peaceful direct political dialogue and not on the backs of the athletes," he said at a ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "People have a very good understanding of what it really means to single out the Olympic Games to make an ostentatious gesture which allegedly costs nothing but produces international headlines. "In the extreme, we had to see a few politicians whose contributions to the fight for a good cause consisted of publicly declining invitations they had not even received." The buildup to the Olympics has been overshadowed by Western criticism of the anti-gay law and Russias record on human rights and other issues, making Sochi among the most politically charged games in years. Obama and key European leaders are shunning the Olympics. Obama, in a clear message against the anti-gay laws, has sent a delegation to Sochi made up of three openly gay athletes -- tennis great Billie Jean King, 2006 Olympic hockey medallist Caitlin Cahow and figure skater Brian Boitano. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. delegation to an Olympics will not include a president, vice-president or first lady. Former Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano leads the delegation. German President Joachim Gauck and French President Francois Hollande are also not coming to Sochi. Neither is British Prime Minister David Cameron. Bach reiterated again that Putin had given the IOC assurances that the Olympic Charter would be upheld during the games and that homosexuals would not be discriminated against. Bach said Olympic values stand against any form of discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation. But he stressed the IOC must be "politically neutral without being apolitical" and that athletes must not use the Olympic Village and venues for "political demonstrations." The IOC has come under criticism for not doing more to fight the anti-gay law, but Bach said the committee was a sports organization with limited responsibilities. "We are not a supra-national government," he said. "We are not a superior world-parliament. We do not have a mandate to impose measures on sovereign states." Bachs speech was delivered at a ceremony marking the opening of the IOCs three-day session, or general assembly, ahead of the games. The Germans sharp comments marked a strong contrast with the relatively anodyne, diplomatic speeches of his predecessor, Jacques Rogge. Bach, winner of a fencing gold medal at the 1972 Olympics, was elected in September to succeed Rogge, who served for 12 years. Bach acknowledged there had been "a lot of skepticism in and outside the IOC" when Sochi was awarded the Olympics in 2007. "Now, seven years later, we can see that Sochi, that Russia has delivered," he said. Putin lauded the IOCs decision to bring the games to the Black Sea resort. "We realize what a difficult decision this was to hold the games in a city that barely had 10 to 15 per cent of the necessary infrastructure," he said. "You believed in us, you believed in the Russian character which can overcome all difficulties." "In the space of five years," Putin added, "we built world-class sports venues and city infrastructure that normally takes decades to build." Air Jordan Shoes From China . And by all indications, the team is expected to select phenom Connor McDavid with their selection. The Buffalo Sabres, who were knocked down to the second overall pick after finishing with the worst regular season record, are expected to take the other generational player in Jack Eichel. Cheap Air Jordan Free Shipping . CHAUNCEY BILLUPS (Pistons): Yes they got Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings in the off-season and Andre Drummond is a beast (teams are kicking themselves for passing on him - he rebounds and block shots every game - thats two more discernable and significant skills than most guys in his draft class), but dont for a second discount the impact of having a savvy veteran like Billups on your team. http://www.cheapairjordanretro.com/ . -- The Oakland Raiders expect to have starting right tackle Tony Pashos back for Sundays game against the Houston Texans.CARSON, Calif. -- Former U.S. national team captain Carlos Bocanegra will retire at the conclusion of Chivas USAs season, ending the stalwart defenders 15-year pro soccer career. The 35-year-old Bocanegra announced his decision Thursday. Last-place Chivas USAs regular season ends Oct. 26. "Im still hungry for the game, and I want to play, but unfortunately you cant play forever," Bocanegra said. "I was thinking about this in the off-season, and it took me about six months to come to a final decision. The timing is right for me. Ive known for a little while now in my mind and in my heart. Im happy with it, and Im looking forward to the new challenges." Bocanegra played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and he scored a record 14 goals as a U.S. defender. He has made 110 appearances for the national team, becoming the 12th U.S. player with at least 100 caps. "Carlos is one of the finest defenders that the United States has ever produced," said Bruce Arena, the former U.S. coach. "He is a tremendous competitor, a great leader and the type of person you always wanted on your team." He was the American captain for 64 matches beginning in 2007, providing steady leadership along with his usual solid defensive play as the U.S. team grew in stature over the past decade. The Los Angeles-area native also played in four CONCACAF Gold Cups and won two championshhips, captaining the victorious 2007 team. Wholesale Air Jordan Shoes. Only Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, Jeff Agoos and Marcelo Balboa have played more minutes in a U.S. uniform than Bocanegra. The Americans won 34 games with Bocanegra as their captain. "Carlos has been an outstanding ambassador for U.S. Soccer," said Sunil Gulati, the president of U.S. Soccer. "As a player, a captain and a leader, he has epitomized the best of what it means to be a member of the national team throughout his career. We are all extremely proud of everything he has accomplished, and look forward to working with him in continuing to help grow the sport in the country." The UCLA product began his pro career with the Chicago Fire in 2000, earning the MLS Defender of the Year award twice. He spent four years with Fulham before moving to France with Rennes and Saint-Etienne. After stints in Scotland with Rangers and in Spain with Racing Santander, he returned home to Chivas USA in July 2013. Bocanegra will join U.S. career scoring leader Donovan in retiring after the MLS season. U.S. goalie Tim Howard is taking a sabbatical from international play until September 2015. The U.S. teams final scheduled home match of 2014 is Oct. 14 against Honduras in Boca Raton, Florida. Donovan is scheduled to play his final match for the Americans on Oct. 10 in East Hartford, Connecticut, against Ecuador. 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