Baku 2015 European Games is on track to realize its ambition of creating a transferable and sustainable model for future Games which can be implemented in other European cities.
This ambition runs parallel to that of ensuring that Azerbaijan maximises the opportunity that hosting the inaugural Games presents to showcase the country as a modern European nation.
The European Olympic Committees have long held the vision of a continental Games for Europe and they entrusted the delivery of this ambitious project to Azerbaijan when the Games were awarded to Baku in December 2012.
Innovation has been the hallmark of the BEGOC’s approach to delivering the Games during the intervening period with a sharp focus placed on staging an event which is athlete centred with world class facilities and sporting action.
No Games has ever been delivered against such short deadlines. Sustainability has been a guiding principle and Azerbaijan is intent on not only being innovative but also setting new standards and leading the way for future host cities.
The model that is being developed for the Baku 2015 European Games is designed to stand the test of time and the many new process and procedures that are being employed to host the Games can be adopted and replicated by future host cities.
Baku 2015 European Games will break new ground as the first continental Games to fully integrate a para-discipline into its sports programme. Visually-impaired judo will be included as a medal discipline with a +100 kilogramme category for men and a -48 kilogrammes category for women.
This is a shining example of Azerbaijan’s and the Baku 2015 European Games commitment to innovatiion. Other forward-thinking initiatives such as the inclusion of non-Olympic disciplines like 3x3 basketball, beach soccer, acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics and karate are also part of the model.
The 6,000 European athletes who will compete in the historic inaugural European Games will do so in 20 new or refurbished facilities that will provide a lasting legacy for the people of Baku and Azerbaijan.
Newly built venues for gymnastics, BMX, aquatics and shooting and a purpose built 65,000 seat stadium for athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies are set to inspire young people to participate and compete in sport.
The importance of sustainability has also been taken into account in the development of new and more efficient working processes and the developmentof more skills, jobs, commercial knowledge and major event expertise in communities.
Similarly, objectives have been set to increase expertise levels across a wide range of sectors that are involved in providing goods and services for the historic event.
Baku 2015 European Games are also intent on developing a base of knowledge, skills and expertise to sustain and further enhance Azerbaijan’s reputation as a dynamic destination in Europe for sports, business, tourism and culture.
The importance of sustainability has also been understood by the National Olympic Committee and the Azerbaijan National Sports Federations who are completely behind the Games and who are using the event to promote their respective sports throughout the country.
In the 22 years since its independence, Azerbaijan has sent almost 200 athletes to represent the country at five Summer and four Winter Olympics. These athletes have claimed 26 medals in boxing, shooting, judo, weightlifting and wrestling.
Content provided by the Baku 2015 Organizing Committee.
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