Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

A new page of sporting history will be written in Azerbaijan with the first European Games, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 European Games ,Simon Clegg said in an article published on the British website standard.co.uk.

This dapper former artillery officer has less than 40 days to complete preparations for the inaugural European Games, which will be staged in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, in June, the article said.

“Yes, this project could be my most demanding ever,” he said. “This is the first time this event has ever been held, we are pretty much putting it together in just 30 months when most countries have years to prepare.”

Clegg has managed 12 British Olympic teams and then, as chief executive of the British Olympic Association, he led the successful political lobbying campaign that ended with London staging the Games three years ago.

“But we have put together a great team, this is one of the most glamorous capital cities in the world and we have adapted to the local environment and are committed to making it work,” he said.

More than 6,000 athletes from 50 countries will represent their nations over the 17 days in 16 Olympic and four non-Olympic events.

Some of the British stars expected in Baku are boxer Nicola Adams, table tennis player Kelly Sibley and Taekwondo’s Jade Jones.

“We are making sporting history in Europe,” Clegg said. “It is a huge privilege to be in that position.”

Sport can be a great catalyst for change, he said.

“There will be global coverage of the country which we believe will show how far it has come and will spotlight the friendliness of the people of Azerbaijan,” Clegg said.

Baku has already won the right to hold a Formula One Grand Prix next year and a European Football Championships quarterfinal in 2020.

“We think the European Games will showcase this country and provide a blueprint for the future,” he said.

An exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent, Baku 2015 is the first-ever European Games that will take place on June 12-28. Baku was honored to host the Games by the European Olympic Committees in December 2012.

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 atwww.baku2015.com/tickets.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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