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  • BAKU: Baku to host ever European games in 2015

    Trend Daily News (Azerbaijan)
    December 8, 2012 Saturday 4:33 PM GMT +4


    Baku to host ever European games in 2015

    Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 8 /Trend/

    At the 41th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee in
    Rome, it has been decided to hold the first-ever European Games in
    Azerbaijan's capital, Baku.

    "The games will be held in 2015," director of the Department of
    International Relations of NOC Kenul Nurullayeva told Trend over the
    phone from Rome.

    The decision was made as a result of the secret balloting, where of 48
    votes, 38 came in favor. Eight votes came against, and two more
    restrained from voting.

    The representatives of Armenia refused to take part in the voting.

    Azerbaijan at the Assembly was represented by Minister of Youth and
    Sports, vice-president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of
    Azerbaijan Azad Rahimov, vice-president of the Azerbaijani National
    Olympics Committee (NOC), Chingiz Huseynzade, AFFA General Secretary
    Elkhan Mammadov, NOC International Relations Department's director
    Kenul Nurullayeva, and executive director of the Youth Fund, Farhad
    Hajiyev.

    Second day of the General Assembly began with the presentation of Baku
    and its sports facilities.

    The President of the European Olympic Committee (EOC) Patrick Hickey
    spoke first, telling about the history of these games' idea, and
    expressed his support of holding the European Games in Baku.

    He spoke about the achievements of the city, the development of which
    is observed by all, who visit it. After introductory remarks by
    President EOC, his advisor spoke about the concept of these games, and
    his special representative told about the negotiations with the
    Federations and the Azerbaijan side on Baku's readiness to host the
    games.

    After the presentations of EOC representatives the floor was given to
    Azerbaijani side.

    In his speech, Vice-President of the NOC Chingiz Huseynzade told about
    the great desire of Baku to host the games, mentioning the enthusiasm
    with which the youth of the country, the population of the city will
    accept this news.

    He also noted that the government, public bodies and federations of
    Azerbaijan are preparing and waiting for today's decision.

    "It is a historical moment in the European Olympic Committee's
    history," Huseynzade said.

    Director of the Department of International Relations of NOC Kenul
    Nurullayeva spoke afterwards, noting talked about the economic and
    political stability, development of Azerbaijan.

    In her speech, Nurullayeva also spoke about the tolerance of the local
    population, how economic and cultural ways have been crossing with
    each other from ancient times to the present day.

    In his turn, AFFA General Secretary Elkhan Mammadov spoke about the
    sports infrastructure, international sports tournaments,
    championships, which have been held and continue to be held in Baku.

    In conclusion, Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov made a
    presentation on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.

    He gave political and financial guarantees of the government of
    Azerbaijan, as well as guarantees for the safety of participants, full
    readiness of all sports infrastructure to host these games.

    After the minister's speech, the film dedicated to the history, sports
    and cultural infrastructure of Baku was demonstrated.




    From: A. Papazian
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