Baku Opens European Games Communications Seminar

(ATR) Baku 2015 opened the first communications seminar for European Olympic committees and international media on Friday.

A total of 62 delegates, including NOC communication managers and journalists, are visiting Baku 2015 venues and attending workshops to receive updates on preparations for the inaugural European Games next summer.

Updates on the sports program, transport, press operations, broadcasting and communications are scheduled as part of the seminar.

"We are very much looking forward to establishing new relationships with the communications teams from the national Olympic committees and the members of their media who will be covering the inaugural European Games," said Baku 2015 COO Simon Clegg.

"The support and cooperation of those attending this seminar will be vital to us in educating the continent about how exciting the Games in Baku will be next summer, and also to help raise awareness of our work here in Azerbaijan."

More than 1,000 journalists from across the continent are expected to attend the Baku Games.

Adrian Bassett, director of communications for the British Olympic Association, is one of the participants.

"This weekend is an extremely valuable opportunity to learn more about the European Games and understand exactly how Baku 2015 will operate during Games-time," he said.

"For many nations, this will be their first time competing in Azerbaijan and so it is important to visit the country and be fully prepared for what will be a fantastic event for our athletes next summer."

More than 6,000 athletes from Europe's 49 NOCs will compete in 20 sports at Baku 2015.

Baku 2015 communications chief William Louis-Marie said it was very important for Games organizers "to ensure the national Olympic committees feel fully involved with Baku 2015".

"The seminar represents an important chance to ensure we are communicating effectively with the national Olympic committees, their athletes, the media and the fans from across all of Europe," he added.

Earlier this week, Baku 2015 unveiled Azerbaijan Airlines, the national carrier, as the Games sixth official partner.

Under the deal, the airline will carry Baku 2015 branding, while promotional messages will also be placed in in-flight movies and magazines to help increase global awareness of the European Games.

The other top-tier partners of the Games are P&G, Tissot, BP, Nar Mobile and SOCAR.

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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