Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan has officially submitted its bid for hosting the 2016 ICF Congress.

At the presentation in Warsaw, Technical Director of the Azerbaijan Rowing and Canoe Federation Leyla Aliyeva addressed the delegates of the 2014 International Canoe Federation Congress briefing them on the scale of sporting events and the development of the Sport of Canoe currently taking place in the country.

Azerbaijan’s bid focused on how the country is fast becoming a sporting hub by cementing its reputation as a European Destination for sporting events.

The country was recently chosen as the host of the inaugural European Games 2015, the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe 2016, the Islamic Games 2017 and the UEFA 2020 quarter finals.

She went on to outline the history of the Sport of Canoe in the country and detailed how the sport is being developed with the creation of a centre of excellence in Mingachevir, which notably will also be the main host of the Sprint Canoe event during the European Games.

Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov also sent a letter of guarantee that pledged Azerbaijan’s commitment to the hosting of the 2016 ICF Congress at the highest possible level, with an enviable social program, tourist and cultural opportunities for guests as well as optimal climatic conditions.

Aliyeva concluded the letter by saying that Azerbaijan would be proud to be afforded this opportunity and that the Canoe family would benefit greatly by choosing this innovative and exiting destination as the host of the 2016 ICF Congress.

Rowing developed quickly in Azerbaijan with the establishment of the National Rowing Federation (AMAF) in December 2006.

As a member of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the AMAF is now participating in various international competitions and European and world championships.