Rome acquainted with Baku 2015

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Baku 2015 European Games was presented in Rome on March 4.

Azerbaijan’s first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Chair of the Baku 2015 European Games Organizing Committee Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan`s Embassy in Italy, the event was attended by Italian public, political and culture figures, representatives of the international sports community and other high-level guests.

BEGOC chair Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva arrived at Italy’s National Gallery of Modern Art.

The guests first viewed an exhibition of bronze statues by Azerbaijani sculptors devoted to Baku-2015. Called “We Together”, the exhibition featured over 20 works related to various types of sports.

The guests were handed various publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about Azerbaijan, including Baku 2015 Games.

The host of the presentation ceremony provided an insight into the first European Games, and highlighted Azerbaijan`s history, rich culture, traditions and tolerance.

Azerbaijan’s first lady addressed the ceremony.

The event then featured demonstration of a film about preparation for Baku-2015.

Italian Minister of Education, Universities and Research Stefania Giannini hailed Mehriban Aliyeva`s contribution to developing various areas of life, particularly sport. The minister said Italy will also contribute to ensuring excellent organization of the Games in Baku.

President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey praised the leadership of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva in her role as Chair of the Baku 2015 European Games Organizing Committee.

President of the Italian National Olympic Committee Giovanni Malago stressed the importance of Baku-2015 as it will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino hailed the relations between Italy and Azerbaijan in the fields of culture and sports. He expressed confidence that the Baku Games will be successfully organized.

Hickey presented Mehriban Aliyeva with a keepsake marking the start of the 100 Days To Go countdown to Baku-2015.

The biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history, the Baku 2015 European Games will attract more than 6,000 athletes to represent 50 countries in 20 sports during 17 days of competition.

The games will take place in 21 stadia and facilities in Baku and Mingachevir city.