Today, on International Children’s Day
in Azerbaijan, Aysun Aliyeva, a young torchbearer nominated by UNICEF, will
carry the torch of the Baku 2015 European Games in a ceremony in the country’s
northern district capital of Guba.
17-year-old Aysun is a footballer in
Azerbaijan’s under-19 and under-21 year old women’s national teams.
UNICEF and the Baku 2015 European
Games Operation Committee (BEGOC) have teamed up in a collaboration that seeks
to enrich the lives of young people in Azerbaijan. The partnership gives young
people a voice on how safe and inclusive sport can benefit their lives, and
enhances their role in the development of a social legacy of the Games.
"I am honoured to be nominated by UNICEF and participate in the torch
relay,” Aysun said. "Being on the national football team is my biggest
achievement so far. Now being a torchbearer, representing all children in
Azerbaijan, is a proud moment for me and all of us – all girls and boys playing
sport.”
As part of
the agreement between UNICEF and Baku 2015, a National Adolescent Consultation
on Safe and Inclusive Sport will take place in Baku on 10-11
June. During the consultation, adolescents will have the
opportunity to discuss the importance of sport in their lives and highlight the
opportunities for children and adolescents which may result from Azerbaijan’s
hosting of the European Games and future major sporting events in their
country.
"All
children have a right to recreation and play. Participation in sport is a
critical part of any child’s physical and social development, especially for
girls like Aysun. Her participation in the torch relay helps to spotlight the
right to safe and inclusive sport for Azerbaijani girls and boys, and the role
of sport as a tool to include the most disadvantaged children and adolescents
in all aspects of society,” says UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, Andro
Shilakadze.
Speaking about Baku 2015’s partnership with UNICEF, Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 said: "Today was a wonderful occasion for both UNICEF and Baku 2015. I would like to congratulate Aysun on her achievements and hope that her example can inspire other young people across Azerbaijan.
"Over the course of the development of the European Games, and through our partnership with UNICEF, we have placed huge importance on making these Games as inclusive as possible. All young people, aged 16 and under, will be able to attend the Games for free, if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Whilst, venues have been developed to accommodate the needs of spectators with disabilities, as a matter of course.
"We are also delighted that many of the venues, such as the Baku Aquatic
Centre, will revert to public use after the Games and hope this will provide
opportunities for many more young people to use the take up and enjoy playing
sport."
www.ann.az
Follow us !