Baku 2015 branding receives int'l recognition
By Sara Rajabova
Baku 2015 European Games has been recognized for its exceptional new branding by a major international design website.
Design Week has named the new look of the inaugural European Games which was launched in August as one of the biggest rebrands of 2014 alongside several other high-profile companies.
The brand was developed by Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committees’ design team alongside renowned agency SomeOne, who are based in London.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who worked on the rebrand, which is already immediately identifiable with the inaugural European Games and has also brightened up the city streets here in Baku,” Simon Clegg, Baku 2015 Chief Operating Officer, said.
Clegg added that the recognition by Design Week is a great achievement and helps to raise awareness of the European Games around the world.
Inspired by the natural beauty of Baku, the striking rebrand will feature on venues, tickets, uniforms and all official merchandising of the inaugural European Games.
Central to the new brand is the pomegranate tree, which symbolizes unity in Azerbaijani folklore. Interwoven with the branches of the tree are historical symbols of the country’s heritage and culture, along with eye-catching pictograms of the different sports and disciplines.
Charlie Wijeratna, Commercial Director of Baku 2015, said the colorful brand is central to the marketing activity that will help to promote the European Games globally.
“We are very proud of our work that is already recognized instantly as being innovative and representative of Baku 2015,” Wijeratna said.
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.
Eleven of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Those sports include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling and Volleyball.
Baku was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012. The Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) will organize and run the Games in co-operation with the EOC.