Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Works related to holding the European Games "Baku-2015" are underway as planned earlier.

This was said by the Chairman of the Executive committee of the European Olympic Committee, Spyros Kapralos, at a press conference on the third meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the European Games on April 4.

Kapralos said much has been done since the previous meeting of the Coordinating Committee.

"This is a milestone in sports history, as these events will make a significant contribution not only to Azerbaijani sport, but also at large to the development of the entire sports in the world," he stressed.

Kapralos noted that in spite of time shortage, there is a great confidence that the event will be held in accordance with the plan.

Vice-President of the European Olympic Committee, Janez Kocijancic, praised the work of the Coordinating Committee in connection with the progress in the preparation process for the Games.

He said the European Olympic Committee works closely with the Coordinating Committee in preparation for the games.

"These competitions will not only contribute to the development of sport, but also gives an opportunity to show Azerbaijani culture to Europe," Kocijancic said.

Speaking at the conference, Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov said Azerbaijan is bracing itself to hold the First European Games at a high standard.

Rahimov said the process of preparing for holding the games is underway, the issues related to security, transport, sports equipment installation have already been resolved, and the construction works are ongoing with planned speed.

"We will carry out preparation for these games in a short time. Preparation for this kind of games usually takes 6-7 years, but we must do it in two years. I believe in our team, which is able to organize the European games in Baku at a high level," he said.

"The Azerbaijani people actively support the European games and look forward to their beginning," he stressed.

Baku Games, starting on June 12, 2015, will involve around 6,000 competitors from the 49 Olympic nations of Europe across 19 sports, including new formats and disciplines featured for the first time at a major European sports event.

The list of sports includes Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball 3x3, Beach soccer, Boxing, Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball, and Wrestling.