MANILA, Philippines – Russian President Vladimir Putin got into the Olympic spirit as he played a bit of ice hockey and tried out the country’s new skating rink built for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko joined Putin, who was there to inspect the venues for next month’s event. Putin also attended the rehearsals for the opening ceremonies. The Games will officially begin on February 7 and it will be the first time for Russia to host the event. -- News Now, ANC, January 5, 2014.