February 5, 2015

5th Meeting of the European Olympic Committee’s Coordination Committee takes place in Baku

5^th Meeting of the European Olympic Committee’s Coordination Committee took place in Baku, February 5. 

 

First Lady of Azerbaijan, Chairperson of the Baku-2015 First European Games Organizing Committee Mehriban Aliyeva attended the meeting.

 

The Coordination Committee of the European Olympic Committee highly appreciated the preparations for the Baku-2015 First European Games.

 

President of the European Olympic Committee Patrick Hickey talked about the significance of the meeting of he European Olympic Committee’s Coordination Committee and noted that a strong and professional team has been working here in order to organize the European games.

Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the meeting: “Thank You, Mister President. I’m pleased to hear your valuable opinion. I would like to welcome all of our guests.

 

I’m pleased to welcome President of the European Olympic Committee mister Patrick Hickey, Chairperson of the Coordination Commission mister Spiros Capralos and other members of the committee to Azerbaijan. I’m very delighted to open, together with you, the the fifth and final meeting of the Baku-2015 First European Games Coordination Commission.

Since you chose Baku in December 2012 to host the First European Games, our country has been busy with organization of a high-level international event that Europe would be proud of. These Games will be a historical event in the European sport. For Azerbaijan, this will be an opportunity to more broadly introduce the country, its traditions, culture and historical roots.

We think to hold the first Games is both honourable and responsible business. You will see you were right to to have chosen us. Although we have to finalize our plans within a few month to come, I think we can take pride in the significant achievements we have reached to date. 

I would like to inform you of some details of the plans that we have so far implemented. As you know, a number of venues are ready and undergoing tests for the Games. Tests are organized in order to ensure that every detail is ready to create necessary conditions for sportsmen’s high-level performance this summer. Until the inauguration of the Games in June, 35 test actions and test competitions will be held. Next test actions on gymnastics, boxing and wrestling will take place in March and April. Until the end of February, we expect to finish construction of permanent bases of all venues. This will allow us sufficient time for necessary installation works in April. 84 per cent of our contracts has been made with Azerbaijani companies that have been working 24 hours a day, which is a positive side of our work. I’m sure you will be amazed while visiting the venues today. Our athletes village meeting world standards has over 1000 apartments with 7300 beds.”

Mehriban Aliyeva told that over 600 international and local media representatives will cover the European Games. An event will be held on June 10 for representatives of the international press. 43 companies have been given a right to broadcast  these event to over 100 countries and, thus, the Games will be possible to watch in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Australia. Moreover, over 16 thousand requests have been received from volunteers.

 

Mehriban Aliyeva said a large amount of investment has been made by the government into the existing transport infrastructure: “I take pride in saying that 950 young people are working at the moment at  Baku-2015. This is one of the most valuable heritages of the Games and I’m confident  this is great opportunity to gain experience for their future works.”  

 

Mehriban Aliyeva said also that an amazing show will take place at the opening ceremony. The chairman of the Organizing Committee said special cultural events programme has been made up for each day, and the closing ceremony also will be an unforgettable event.

Underlining that supporting sport and Olympic movement was one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva noted achievements of our sportsmen and said these Games will unite all  participants and lay the strong foundation for new sport traditions.

Chairman of the European Games Coordination Committee Spiros Capralos highly appreciated the innovations achieved by the Committee. Giving high assessment to the sport infrastructure created in Azerbaijan, Spiros Capralos said significant decisions will be made during the discussions to be held in Baku during two days.

Minister of Sport and Youth of Azerbaijan Azad Rahimov said athletes will be the main focus of attention at the first European Games. Underscoring that winners of the Baku-2015 Games will be presented specially designed medals, the minister said: “As you know, the Organizing Committee does not organize the Games alone. We have 7 official partners. We have signed contracts with companies of European and other countries of the world. The international media is showing more and more interest to the Games. We will present our new website. Our programmes associated with volunteers and ambassadors continue. Recently we have declared stars-envoys of the European Games. They will assist us in promoting the Games in the country and abroad”.

General Operations Director of the Baku-2015 Simon Clegg said works are going on according to the schedule at the moment. According to him, local professionals are participating in these works along with international professionals. 

 

A videofilm related to the preparation works for Baku-2015 was shown at the event.