Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan is getting ready for holding Baku Games 2015. The games will be held at a high level as a professional team has already been tasked with organizing the event.

This was said by Executive Director of the European Games Operating Committee Simon Clegg at a press conference in Baku on May 8.

"Some problems are unavoidable because the games are held for the first time," he said.

"We put forward new ideas and new initiatives. I encourage all the committee members to raise their innovative ideas. Experiences obtained here will help us hold more games in the future," Clegg said.

Despite shortage of time, the games would be organized and held at high level, he said.

"I assume that with the full support of the president, we will successfully implement all organizational processes. I can confirm that a strong base has already been created for organizing the competition. I am very pleased with the process of planning and implementation of all works," Clegg said.

"The facilities of the games are being built with an extraordinary speed and based on all modern standards," according to the executive director.

"I am confident that they will be ready on time. Not only the speed of construction, but also the quality is taken into account here. Construction of the facilities will contribute to the development of sports in the country for many years," Clegg said.

He also expressed hope that Azerbaijani athletes will record good results in competitions.

Former Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association and Ipswich Town Football Club, Clegg replaced Jim Scherr as the Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 European Games this April.

Earlier, Azerbaijan Youth and Sports Ministry reported, that all the buildings and facilities designated to Baku 2015 First European Games will be commissioned by February 1, 2015.

Europe's first senior multi-sport event will consist of more than 6,000 athletes from the 49 countries affiliated to the European Olympic Committees competing in 19 sports in Baku on June 12-28.

The Baku Games' program 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.