Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani youth is impatiently looking forward to the inaugural European Games which will be opened in the City of Winds, Baku, on June 12. Students from all Azerbaijani universities and youth organizations are widely involved in volunteering activities for the Baku 2015.

Located at a crossroad in between East and West, Azerbaijan is the first country to host the European Games. Making up 30 percent of the overall population the youth remains a driving force of the Azerbaijani society and thus holds a tremendous role in the Olympic movement.

The students of Azerbaijan State Economic University are one of those young people who will take an active part in different events to promote the country. They all are eagerly helping the organization of the Games.

The volunteers from this university in a meeting with AzerNews shared their impressions about the European Games and preparation work.

The students, who have already attended several training sessions as part of the preparations of the historical event said it was a really good opportunity for young people. They noted how getting involved in the Games allowed them to gain some much needed experience.

“The first European Games - to be held in Azerbaijan, is very significant for the country,” said Seymur Jafarov, a third-year student.

“We, as students and young people, wanted to take an active part in such an important event. As a volunteer, I’m in the transportation department and participated in several trainings. I hope that students, especially students of ASEU, will take an active part in the Games. This is a great chance to represent our country and we're looking to the successful Olympic Games.”

Hamishazade Semra, another third-year student of the University, said the main reason why she joined the Games as a volunteer is “belief that it will be an interesting event.

“I also wanted to improve on my language skills. I knew that the Games would be attended by many foreigners. In addition, I registered for dance training, I thought it would be interesting. I participated in more training sessions than other students, as dance training began in February,” she added.

“Volunteers play an important role in the organization of the European Games. We can say that great responsibilities and major work have fallen onto the shoulders of volunteers: reception of guests, providing them with information about the events, strengthening the organizational activities at the stadiums, familiarizing foreign guests with the country and so on,” said Turkan Rajabova, a second-year student.

The students also believe that the Games will create great many opportunities for gaining experience and developing their communication and language skills.

“The participation in the Games gives some advantages, for example, in view of developing team-working and language skills. Also, close contact with foreigners from different countries will help volunteers to get more information about the traditions, history and life in other countries. I’ve learned a lot of things during the training sessions and this has significantly contributed to improving my language skills. I’m very glad to be part of this event and I'm looking forward to the Games,” Semra said.

The students also said it is very interesting for them to work and communicate with foreigners. They said the foreign trainers shared their experience with volunteers and eagerly helped them in their work.

Semra also noted that those foreigners who came to Azerbaijan showed great interest in the traditions, history, monuments, as well as the culture of the country. She explained that tours to the regions of Azerbaijan have been organized for foreigners to better get acquainted with Azerbaijan.

The entire country, especially the capital Baku is preparing for this magnificent event that is expected to popularize the Land of Fire all over the world, at the highest level and with great responsibility.

The students also highly appreciated and expressed satisfaction with the work which was implemented in the country.

“Large-scale infrastructure changes related to the Games have been carried out in a short time in the capital Baku, where most of the Games will be held. We have witnessed these changes as volunteers. We expect a grand opening and closing ceremonies, as well as strong competitions,” Seymur said.

“After becoming a volunteer, I closely acquainted myself with the work done. I’d like to note that the Olympic Stadium is magnificent. The created infrastructure and conditions will contribute to the development of various sports games in the country and create conditions for young people,” Semra said.

Students of the Azerbaijan State Economic University are also among volunteers of “SABAH” Group, which was established at the higher educational institutions of the country by the Education Ministry.

Sevil Ibrahimova, a second-year student of ASEU and supervisor of the SABAH volunteers, said the group aims to help students to realize their ideas.

“Currently, Baku-2015 is the biggest project and therefore, SABAH volunteers support this event and will closely take part in the work of the Games. The registration process of volunteers for positions at the event has already started. Students will get a chance to participate in the Games as volunteers by choosing a position they wish to fulfill,” she said.

Suliddin Baghirov, a fourth-year student of ASEU, said although he will not take part in the Games as a volunteer, he closely follows developments and informs his friends and acquaintances abroad about Baku 2015.

“Though I’m not a volunteer, I informed my friends and acquaintances abroad about this event through social media, as well as share with them news about the Games. I’m trying to be in close contact with volunteers and participants of the Games in order to receive more information about the ongoing process of preparation. Baku 2015 is an important event for Azerbaijan’s promotion in the international arena,” Suliddin said.

He believes that all visitors to Azerbaijan will receive more information about the country through the Games.

“Holding the first European Games in Azerbaijan is a great opportunity for the promotion of the country both geographically and economically. Despite the fact that European countries are close to us, in many countries, there is not enough information about Azerbaijan’s culture, history and etc. The guests of the country will get more information about the country through the Games. In addition, it will give impetus to the development of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic relation and the economy,” the young economist said.

Suliddin also noted that foreigners’ interest in Azerbaijan has increased after the large-scale promotion of the European Games.

The students also said they very hopeful for Azerbaijani sportsmen’s victory at the Games and wished them great success.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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