First European Games Kicks Off in Baku

Two and a half years ago in Rome, a decision was made to hold the European Games for the first time in 2015, an international multi-sport event for athletes representing the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Europe.

The decision was made at the 41st General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee and the applicant to host the games was only one – Baku. The capital of Azerbaijan received 38 votes for, eight against and two abstentions. The result: one of the most progressive cities in Europe for the first time will take on a prestigious sporting event.

The timely installation and construction of the necessary infrastructure in one of the richest cities in Eastern Europe took place thanks to a successful Application Review Committee.

The program of the 1st European Games includes 20 sports, 16 of which are Olympic. In non-Olympic disciplines, of which there are 52, is karate, sports, dancing, and aerobics (gymnastics). The winners of 11 kinds of sports will be able to participate in the Olympic Games in 2016.

“Azerbaijan is ready to welcome Europe. I am confident that we will have the best games in the world, despite the fact that we had only two and a half years to prepare. But our people and our government have shown their strength. In a short time we have prepared for a world class games to the level of the Olympic Games, and will carry out them successfully,” said Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan.

All detailed information and the latest news from the European Games can be found on the official website baku2015.com which is available in English and Azeri.