The Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC) tonight welcomed guests to the stunning Buta Hall in Baku for a Gala Dinner Celebration to mark one year to go until the inaugural European Games, as Azerbaijan again underlined its commitment to placing sport at the heart of its national development strategy.

The highlight of the evening was the ceremonial hand-out of invitations to the inaugural European Games. All of the European NOCs present in Baku received the official invitation to bring their teams to Baku 2015 from the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Patrick Hickey. The invitations themselves were made from a single piece of antique Azeri carpet handed out at 20:15, which included a video from Patrick Hickey inside: the same combination of rich cultural heritage and innovation that will make Baku 2015 such an unforgettable experience.

The opening speech was given by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmar Mammadyarov. The guests included Chefs de Mission and delegates from the National Olympic Committees [NOCs] of Europe; members of the European diplomatic corps; the BEGOC leadership and Baku 2015 sponsors, stakeholders and ambassadors; senior representatives from Azeri National Sports Federations; and international media.

Speaking to the assembled guests, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov said: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting the Games and to have been entrusted with making the European Olympic Committees’ dream a reality. The inaugural European Games are not only a chance for athletes to write their names into the history books, they also represent a chance for our nation to host a unique event that will set the standard for future European Games. 

“We may be considered a young country, but we are keen to contribute to the progress being made in an inclusive and modern Europe. We intend to ensure this event plays a role in assisting the development of sporting, social and economic progress in Azerbaijan.”

In his speech, EOC President Patrick Hickey said: “Baku and Azerbaijan have grabbed the attention of the sports world, especially since the EOC selected them as hosts for the inaugural European Games. Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its total commitment to staging an outstanding event next summer, and that can only strengthen the European Games product. 

It is great to see an ambitious young nation place sport so firmly at the heart of its long-term development, and it is great for the EOC to be playing a role in that  strategy. Baku 2015 promises so much for the future of Azerbaijan and the future of European sport. I have no doubt it will be a hugely successful event.”

Bakudaily.az