Azernews.Az

When the first-ever European Games launch this June in Baku, technology, athletes and entertainers will command the stage in a two-week extravaganza certain to catapult Azerbaijan onto the global sports stage, reads an article by The Washington Times.

“Baku is a city known for its rich European history and culture, but after a massive construction effort it will also showcase a state-of-the-art sports venue unlike any in the world,” the article said.

It is noted in the article that the European Games is the first multi-sport event to rely entirely on cloud-based technology for infrastructure and software applications, a model that is likely to be adopted by all major sports events in the future.

As the newspaper said, Baku 2015 will also make use of more than 600 kilometers of fibre optic network to connect the venues.

“That new optical fibre network won’t just bring the games to life on television and computer screens, it will also provide a lasting benefit to the former Soviet republic with a booming oil economy and a populace craving innovation, information and economic opportunity,” said the article.

“The European Games is an opportunity for Azerbaijan to be at the forefront of technological advancements in sports and we are extremely happy with how our preparations are progressing so far,” The Washington Times quoted Adrian Corcoran, Baku 2015’s director of technology, as saying.

According to the newspaper the majority of the 18 venues that will host competition are ready.

“And the main arena is due to be finished in a few short weeks,” the article said.

Some of the world’s biggest corporate names will also be front and center at the First European Games.

“The host country also has assembled a star-studded lineup of global ambassadors and entertainers to showcase Azerbaijan’s many talents, including actor and comedians Bahram Baghirzade and Murad Dadashov as well as female singing sensations Nigar Jamal and Roya Aykhan,” The Washington Times said.

The biggest sporting event in Azerbaijan's history Baku 2015 European Games will attract more than 6,000 athletes to represent 49 countries in 20 sports on June 12-28.

The Baku 2015 Games will take place in 21 stadia and facilities in Baku and Mingachevir city. The official opening ceremony of the Games will take place in the 68,000-seat Baku Olympic Stadium. The Athletes Village will accommodate up to 7,300 people.

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