Presentation on Baku 2015 first European Games made in Antalya - PHOTO

Minister Azad Rahimov highlighted the Azerbaijani government`s work to develop sport in the country.The Minister spoke of preparations for the Games carried out by the Organizing Committee led by first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.“This will be the first continental multi-sport event in the European history. Rapid pace of construction work in Baku, the creation of new infrastructure clearly demonstrates that the Azerbaijani capital will be completely ready to welcome European athletes.”“Azerbaijan is determined to hold these Games in compliance with the Summer Olympic Games standards. Sport infrastructure of our country will allow us to excellently organize the Games,” the Minister said.Mr. Rahimov said more than 6,000 athletes from 49 countries would compete in the first European Games. He added that eight sports in the program of Baku 2015 Games were qualifying events for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games.The Minister touched upon the Baku meetings of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees, saying “we discussed a wide range of issues, including sport infrastructure, accommodation of athletes, transportation, communications, media, healthcare and doping”.The Minister said the Baku Games would feature the competition of visually-impaired judo fighters among other sports.Mr. Rahimov said the most part of the infrastructure in Baku would be ready by the end of 2014. “Only the Olympic Stadium and Water Sports Palace will be commissioned early next year.”The Minister also spoke of the logo of the Games, saying it brings together five core elements that have shaped Azerbaijan's ancient and contemporary culture and aspirations.“These include a carpet, flame, wave, pomegranate and simurgh, a mythical flying creature.”He said the logo also appeared on the front of the shirts of Spanish football club Atlético Madrid.A total of 19 sports will be featured in the program of Baku Games, which will take place from June 12-28, 2015. They are aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, beach soccer, boxing, canoe sprint, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, judo, karate, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling.Only canoe sprint competition will take place outside Baku - at Kur sports complex in Mingachevir.(AzerTAc)ANN.Az