Baku 2015 presented in London

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

London has been acquainted with the inaugural European Games at a presentation of Baku 2015 held in The Dorchester Hotel this week.

The event was held with the joint organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Organizing Committee of the First European Games, assisted by Azerbaijan’s Embassy in London.

The ceremony was attended by state and government officials from both countries, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Britain, deputies, representatives of London’s general public, and Azerbaijanis living in the UK.

Preparation works for Baku 2015 Games which will gather 6,000 athletes from 50 countries, were presented at the ceremony.

Azerbaijan’s Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov noted the significance of holding these Games in Azerbaijan first. Talking about the ceremony of lighting the flame of the European Games, the minister underscored that supporting and developing sports was among the national priorities of the country.

He stressed that the support and development of sports are in line with the national priorities of Azerbaijan. “Holding the European Games in Baku testifies the authority of our country in the international arena. This event will attract attention and indicates the successes of Azerbaijan in recent years.”

It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan was the host of 36 international competitions since 2002, he added. “Azerbaijan is represented at the Summer and Winter Olympics for 23 years of independence with more than 200 athletes. To date, the country has 26 Olympic medals and about 2,000 medals all won at European and World Championships.”

He went on to talk about the historical ties between Azerbaijan and Britain and gave information about the works being carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, both inside and outside the country, towards preserving Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the promotion of intercultural dialog and improving educational conditions for the youth.

The minister invited all guests to watch Baku 2015.

The ceremony was also addressed by President of the European Olympic Committee, Patrick Hickey, head of Britain’s Olympic Association Lord Sebastian Coe, and General Operations Director of Baku 2015 Simon Clegg.

Hickey expressed his appreciation to all who put their hard work toward organizing the first European Games. He expressed confidence that it will be a spectacular sporting event.

The EOC head stressed that the European continent is proud of Azerbaijan, the host of the inaugural Games.

Lord Coe noted that there is now little time left before the Games, and all are looking forward to the start of the sporting festivity. He stressed that the European Games are a great chance for young athletes. He expressed confidence that Azerbaijan will continue to successfully carry out major international competitions.

Simon Clegg, in turn, said he did not doubt that the European Games will take a special place in the sports calendar of the continent. The European Judo Championship that will be held in the framework of the Games is another confirmation of such fact, he believes.

Videos associated with the First European Games were shown at the ceremony, which was followed with a concert performed by Azerbaijani violinist Nazrin Rashidova.

The visitors were presented souvenirs related to the First European Games, prepared with the support of the Foundation and reflecting Azerbaijan’s national values.