Aliyev Calls Baku 2015 "Historic Moment"
The president of Azerbaijan says the awarding of the inaugural European Games to Baku is a culmination of the country’s development and newfound standing in geopolitical affairs, among other accomplishments.
"I sincerely congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on this significant historic event," Ilham Aliyev said in a statement on his official website. "This is indeed a historic event.
"I would like to thank everyone who had participated in the adoption of this decision, to express our gratitude to the European Olympic Committees. I want to indicate that the Games will be held at a high level. Thus, Baku will go down in the history of the European Olympic Committees for its contribution to the hosting of the Olympic Games."
Aliyev proceeded to list the accomplishments of Azerbaijan over the years, including its election to the UN Security Council, as reasons the Games were awarded to Baku.
"Our international relations are expanding, the number of our friends is growing, the international authority of our country is very positive."
He added he is "confident" all work needed for the Games will be completed in two years "at a high level."
Azeri NOC vice president Chingiz Huseynzade promised on Tuesday that Armenian athletes would be protected during Baku 2015.
"We are ready to provide security assurances to all participants of the Olympics, including Armenian athletes," he was quoted by local media as saying at a press conference.
"There is no problem on our part" with Armenia participating in the Games, he added.
Armenian delegates refused to vote for Azerbaijan. The two countries have tense relations due to ongoing disputes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
During the 2011 boxing world championships in Baku, Armenian boxers were pelted with stones while spectators chanted pro-Azeri slogans.
No Google Gold for "Olympics"
"Euro 2012" edges "The Olympics" as 2012’s top Google search in the U.K.
"Olympic tickets" is second in the tech giant’s annual report of most searched terms, according to a BBC report.
London was the most searched-for city, Rio de Janeiro the most searched-for travel destination, Usain Bolt the most searched-for Olympian and Andy Murray the most searched-for Brit from the Games.
New Post For LOCOG Marketing Chief
Chris Townsend, LOCOG’s commercial director, will serve as fundraising chief for the Paramount Pictures amusement park in Kent.
Townsend’s job with London Resort Company Holdings started at the beginning of December.
"It’s a very different challenge to fundraising for the Olympics," Townsend was quoted telling the U.K.’s Marketing Magazine. "Raising funds in the City was one of elements of the role that appealed to me, as well as the 27,000 new jobs it will create over a six-year period."
Olympians Dominate Cuban Awards
Competitors from London 2012 won all but one award from the Cuban Sports Writers Circle athlete of the year awards.
Greco-Roman wrestler Mijaín Lopez and judoka Idalys Ortiz were named the best male and female athletes following their gold-medal winning performances at the Games. Lopez claimed the title for the sixth time.
Flyweight boxing champion Robeisy Ramírez won the best rookie award, while Wilfredo Leon and Yanelis Santos from the men’s and women’s volleyball teams earned best players in a team sport.
The men’s volleyball team was given the team of the year title, boxing best individual sport and baseball the best team.
Paralympian Yunidis Castillo won the best disabled athlete award.
AISTS Graduation
The 2012 AISTS Masters in Sport Administration graduation ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 15 in Lausanne.
More than 300 AISTS MSA Alumni from around the world have been invited to attend the ceremony along with a number of IOC and IF representatives. The keynote speakers for the event are Gilbert Felli and Chris McSorley.
Small Earthquake Near Sochi
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake, relatively small, hit north of Sochi on Thursday.
Both emergency services and Olympstroi, the Olympic construction agency, report no damage to buildings and no injuries.
Tremors were felt in Sochi. Earthquakes of that magnitude can cause damage.
Written by Ed Hula III.
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