AtaHolding, sponsor of European Championship of Rhythmic Gymnastics
By Nazrin Gadimova
Just one week left to the 30th European Championships of rhythmic gymnastics in Azerbaijan capital Baku, Azerbaijan's AtaHolding OJSC was appointed as the general sponsor of the event.
The event will bring together 258 gymnasts from about 33 countries competing for nine sets of awards.
AtaHolding Deputy CEO Rashad Rasullu expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijan's Gymnastics Federation and particularly to the President of the Federation, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for choosing the company as the main organizer of this important event.
"Like other area, sports sector is experiencing a period of prosperity in Azerbaijan," he said. "Government's efforts and support in this sector have created excellent conditions for successful performance of our athletes on international arena. From now on, thanks to its athletes, Azerbaijan will declare itself at international level by raising its flag at all Olympic Games, as well as World and European championships. It is no coincidence that leading sports countries in the world do not hide their disappointments while competing with Azerbaijan in this field," he said.
"Along with this, our country has successfully acted as a host of several international competitions. That is why the international federations entrust Azerbaijan to hold such competition. Holding the European Championship in rhythmic gymnastics in our country in June is a good example of this. Earlier, Azerbaijan twice successfully hosted similar tournaments and that is why once again the strongest gymnasts of the continent will gather in Baku," he said.
He expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani sports fans will witness an intense and interesting rivalry during the championships.
"The 30th championships, to take place by the general sponsorship of AtaHolding, will attract the attention of the world gymnastics to Baku. The competition which will bring together 33 countries, will take place at the newly-build National Gymnastics Arena which is unique in its architecture. I am sure that our gymnasts will demonstrate their abilities, winning awards for the team. AtaHolding, AtaBank, AtaInsurance and Excelsior Hotel Baku are always together with our athletes and fans," Rasullu said.
Since its establishment, AtaHolding has sought to contribute to the development of sports in the country. The company was the general sponsor of the International Hockey Federation since 2007 and the general sponsor of the International Wrestling Federation since 2008.
AtaHolding also supports the AtaSport club, where there are sections of hockey, Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle and women's wrestling. Professional athletes of the club became winners of the Olympic Games, European and World Championships, as well as prestigious international tournaments.