Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

The inaugural Baku 2015 European Games has been presented in Brussels within the European Sport event.

Co-organized by the European Olympic Committee’s EU office and German Hessen province, the event brought together presidents of the Olympic Committees from various European countries, members of European Parliament and sportsmen.

President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey and President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz spoke about the values of Europe, as well as sport traditions and potential, AzerTac state news agency reported.

They applauded organizing the First European Games. Hickey stressed on his last visit to Baku, saying he had been deeply impressed with ongoing works and how much progress had been made in such a short period of time.

The president of the EOC said this event was a good opportunity to show everyone the successes of the Games.

Martin Schulz, in turn, said holding the European Games would demonstrate fair, tolerance and mutual respect values, stressing the development of sport is significant for the promotion of tolerance.

Vice President of the EOC Janez Kocijancic praised the preparations of Baku 2015 European Games.

The event saw a speech by President of European Karate Federation Antonio Espinos.

Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov provided an insight into the overall achievements Azerbaijan gained under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, saying the country already successfully hosted international events.

He also highlighted the preparatory process to the European Games, as well as the work which had been done by the European Games Organizing Committee under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.

The participants viewed a promotional video about the Baku 2015 Games.

Earlier in April, a grand inaugural ceremony of Baku 2015 European Games was held in Brussels.

The historic sport event has already been presented in several European capitals: Rome, London, Paris, Athens, Ankara, Berlin, and Moscow.

Baku was honored to host the Games by the European Olympic Committees in December 2012. Baku 2015 European Games will gather over 6,000 athletes from 50 countries to compete in 20 sports, including 16 Olympic.

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 at www.baku2015.com/tickets.

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

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