Acrobatic gymnastics competition held prior to European Games
By Amina Nazarli
Baku’s Gymnastics School became the venue of a competition in acrobatic gymnastics on May 25.
The competition, organized by the Education Ministry was devoted to the crucial sport event in the history of Azerbaijan and that of Europe - 2015 European Games to be scheduled for June 12-28.
Some 100 gymnasts of the Baku Gymnastics School, as well as “Neftchi” sport club and the Sports School #13 took part in the competition.
Addressing the event, Khilal Salmanov, representative of the Ministry recalled that a few days are left before the European Games. “The goal of the event is not only to propagandize the Games, but also increase students' interest in the sport, and healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Anvar Isayev, the vice-president of the National Olympic Committee, for his part, noted that such competitions create an opportunity for participants to become outstanding sportsmen.
Isayev added that now, gymnastics is one of the most developed sports in Azerbaijan.
Following, the awarding ceremony was held, where two national gymnasts, Aynur Huseynova and Narmin Ramazanova, who will represent the country at the Games, were awarded the title of sports master.
After the awarding ceremony the competition started - each gymnast did their best. The winners were awarded with diplomas and medals.
The creation and development of rhythmic gymnastics in Azerbaijan dates back to the 1940s. The history of origin of non-Olympic sports - acrobatics comprised of trampoline and tumbling began in the 1920-30s. As a result of this sport's popularization over a very short period of time, Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation was created in 1956.
After Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, the National Federation of Gymnastics became a member of the International Gymnastics Federation in 1993, and the European Union of Gymnastics in 1996.
Designed to host rhythmic and artistic gymnastics competitions, the National Gymnastics Arena opened in 2014, is now able to host gymnasts' training for international tournaments.
Baku was honored to host the Games by the European Olympic Committees in December 2012. Thus the European Games will host some 6,000 athletes from 50 countries who will compete for medals in 20 sports - a total 16 sports are Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports.
Tickets for Baku 2015 can be purchased directly from 11 conveniently located ticket outlets around Baku, including Park Bulvar, 28 Mall, and Metro Park Baku, and online at baku2015.com/tickets.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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