Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Baku 2015 and BP publicly presented the Games Academy Graduate Excellence Programme (GEP) established by Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee on December 16.

BP is the exclusive Official Partner of the Baku 2015 Games Academy initiative, an innovative learning programme which supports the creation of a capability legacy in Azerbaijan. It aims to develop national staff members including university graduates from Azerbaijan and Europe, preparing them for the efficient delivery of a major multi-sport event, as well as developing skills which will assist them in the future career, BP reports.

A total of 188 high potential university graduates from Azerbaijan and across Europe were enrolled in the GEP in July 2014. Six training modules will be delivered throughout the duration of the programme, with the 162 Azerbaijani and 26 international graduates learning important skills contribute to the successful delivery of the inaugural European Games.

The participants will be provided with further opportunities to continue hands-on, practical experience in planning the Games and with operational roles at test events. All of the participants will be mentored by experienced international team members, including experts in a variety of specialist fields to ensure that their learning continues on the job.

Gordon Birrell, BP’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, noted that the training modules, which the participants in the Games Academy have already completed, have been extremely useful. “I am sure BP will continue to support further trainings within this one year programme as participants build their skills and knowledge in preparation for the upcoming great event.

”I am also confident that for the majority of the 188 graduates from across Azerbaijan and European countries the Games Academy will be bridge to their long-term career. It will help them select areas where they can meet challenges and deliver major projects using the skills they learned here,” he said.

Birrell emphasized that BP is proud to be associated with the first biggest sport event in Europe. “As Azerbaijan’ long-term and reliable partner, we have taken this fantastic opportunity to continue our support to Azerbaijan’s youth and sport. This journey started with the London 2012 Games and will continue into future, of which today’s Games Academy participants will be a big part,” he said.

Azad Rahimov, Baku 2015 Chief Executive Officer and Azerbaijan’s Youth and Sport Minister also hailed partnership with the BP.

“Next year will see the proudest moment in Azerbaijan’s sporting history when we host the inaugural European Games and we are delighted to be working with BP to prepare for the historic event,” he noted.

Rahimov said the development of the Games Academy GEP has incorporated ambitious and talented young people into Baku 2015 team. “ The programme has exceeded our expectations and the support we have received from BP from the outset to deliver it has been both vital and fundamental to its success.”

Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place from 12 – 28 June 2015.

There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.