Baku 2015’s presentation held in Budapest
By Nigar Orujova
A presentation of the Baku 2015 first European Games has been
held at the Vigado concert hall, located on the Eastern bank of the
Danube, Budapest.
The ceremony was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in
partnership with Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Budapest.
The event brought together Hungarian Minister of Human Resources
Zoltan Balog, Mayor of Budapest Istvan Tarlos, Executive Director
of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Azerbaijan’s
Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov, as well as MPs,
representatives of embassies accredited in Budapest, Hungarian
sports veterans, sportsmen who will compete at the Games and
Azerbaijanis living and working in Hungary.
Before the presentation ceremony, Azad Rahimov, Ambassador Vilayat
Guliyev and Director for Sport Issues of Hungarian Olympic
Committee Laszlo Fabian held a joint press conference.
Following the short presentation of the Baku-2015 European Games, they responded to journalists’ questions, particularly about preparations for the Baku Games.
Fabian expressed confidence that the European Games will be held
at a high level. He noted that he recently returned from Baku,
where preparations for the games were going on at a high level.
Minister Rahimov was interviewed by a number of TV channels.
During the official part, the host of the ceremony highlighted the
relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary, and stressed the efforts
of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its president Mehriban Aliyeva
towards protecting cultural heritage inside and beyond the country,
promoting intercultural dialogue and ensuring opportunities for
youth to study abroad.
The Sport Minister spoke of international sport competitions that
Azerbaijan would host in the next few years. Speaking on the first
European Games, he underlined the importance of the Games for
Azerbaijan, and its contribution to sport in the whole Europe.
He also touched upon the activity of the Baku-2015 first
European Games Organizing Committee chaired by Azerbaijan’s first
lady.
Zoltan Balog lauded Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s support to
the Games.
The event also screened a film on preparations for the European
Games, a reception and concert of Azerbaijani music.
The presentation of the games is expected in Moscow, Rome and London. Earlier, the games were presented in Paris, Cannes, Berlin, Athens, Istanbul and other major cities.
The biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history, the Baku 2015 European Games will attract more than 6,000 athletes to represent 50 countries in 20 sports during 17 days of competition.
The games will take place in 21 stadia and facilities in Baku and Mingachevir city.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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