Azernews.Az

By Leland Rice and Sam Hunt

The Business Year caught up with Patrick Hickey, the President of European Olympic Committees, to discuss preparations for the Baku Games, government support, and long term benefits.

Baku recently celebrated the 100 days countdown to the start of the First European Games. Anticipation in the city is high. Workers for the Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) are working at full tilt, while construction operations steadily approach the finish of their work in preparation for the event. Patrick Hickey, the President of the European Olympic Committees, is calm about the event and positive that the faith invested in Azerbaijan to successfully accomplish this event will be repaid.

Mr. Hickey is especially positive about the support that the country’s leadership has demonstrated. With the President at the Head of Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee, and the First Lady as the Chair of BEGOC, he says that, “Their support and passion for the European Games has been crucial.” The workers for BEGOC, which number approximately 1360, are 68% Azerbaijani. The foreigners that have joined the committee are “the sports industry’s leading professionals, including top talent from London 2012 and Glasgow 2014” and have been crucial not only in delivering a highly successful event, but also in supporting the professional development of the Azerbaijanis that have played such an important role in the preparations for the Games.

However, one of the most exciting prospects is what will happen in the aftermath of the event. The long term benefits are the most important and Patrick Hickey is certain that Azerbaijan is ready to reap the rewards of a successful Games. As an example of the forward thinking displayed in the event, he mentions the National Olympic Stadium. Designed for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as a multitude of events throughout the Games, it “is designed to be used for football immediately after the Games and will host all four of the country’s EURO 2020 matches.” Mr. Hickey also goes on to mention that cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions will be held there, an indication of the variety of opportunities that the country will be provided.

The First European Games promises a great deal, not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the participating countries and hosts for the future. The European Olympic Committees are already planning for the next events, including the European Youth Olympic Festival which will be hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, in July and August of 2015. The process is also already under way for the transfer of knowledge from the Baku Games to the 2019 European Games and there are already discussions concerning which city will host the next event. However, he emphasizes that whoever is chosen to host the next one will be “encouraged to tailor the Games to fit their city, rather than change their city to fit the Games. This is a core element of the philosophy behind the European Games. “ This event has allowed Baku’s culture to thrive, which has been fundamental to a unique and successful execution of the Games.

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