Baku 2015 torch travels along southern regions
By Nigar Orujova
Baku 2015 European Games continues lightning the way to the Games by visiting Azerbaijan’s regions. The Baku Torch which has recently visited the south of the country is continuing its travel across the regions.
The flame of Baku 2015 started its journey on April 26 from the sacred temple of Ateshgah to arrive in Baku in June. The flame will reach the National Olympic Stadium on June 12 to mark the beginning of the historic sport event.
On the first days of May, the fire visited Lerik, Astara, Yardimli, Masalli, Bilesuvar, and Jalilabad, bringing the festive atmosphere of the Games to those regions.
In Lerik, athlete Rafig Aliyev started the flame march alongside ten torchbearers.
A video film about the lighting of the torch in the Temple of fire worshipers Ateshgah was shown at the ceremony.
Azerbaijani Champion in karate Rasif Mamizade accepted the torch in Yardimli. Then the ten torchbearers began their march. Passing the torch to each other, the athletes reached the Center of Heydar Aliyev.
Azerbaijan Champion in karate Amid Javadov raised the torch on the stage built in front of the Center.
In Bilasuvar, the next stop on the flame's journey across the regions of Azerbaijan, torchbearers were welcomed by thousands of local residents. At the European Games gate the flame was handed to local youth activist Sabina Huseynova.
Ten torchbearers then started their 4km long route which ended at the central square in the city.
World kickboxing champion Ehtiram Majidov took the flame to the stage to hand it to Azerbaijani wrestling champion Igbal Aslanov, who lit Baku 2015 Lamp.
Next the flame will travel to Salyan and Neftchala - May 4.The torch ceremony will, as always, be marked by festivities and concerts.
The Baku 2015 flame will glow in the country’s regions until June 28 - the end of the Games.
The flame is traveling the length and breadth of the country, spreading the spirit of the Games and warming the hearts of people in 60 locations.
The torch will come within an hour’s traveling time of 99 percent of all Azerbaijanis and thousands of people are expected to join in the daily celebrations along the route.
To follow the Journey of Flame please visit: baku2015.com/flame.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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