KEEN COMPETITION

Seventy-two athletes represented Lithuania at the first European Games. Lithuania won four medals - one gold and three bronze.

The Secretary General of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee, Valentinas Paketuras, shared his impressions of the organization of the first European Games with R+.

- What do you think of the way the first European Games in Baku were organized?

- We were confident that Azerbaijan would host the first European Games at a high level. But the excellent way in which the first continental games were organized exceeded all our expectations. It is amazing the magnificent work Azerbaijan has done in two and a half years, building beautiful stadiums and sports arenas. Everything - from the welcome at the airport and the accommodation in the Olympic Village to the events themselves - has been well thought out and brilliantly implemented. The events have been keenly fought. The best European and world athletes came to Baku. I would like to express my thanks to all the organizers of this festival of sport.

Incidentally, our Baltic neighbours - the delegations from Latvia and Estonia - were of the same opinion about the excellent organization of the European Games.

- Apart from the sporting element, the European Games have a social objective - improving trust and cooperation between countries. What kind of role will the European Games play in developing peace and cooperation in Europe?

- Originally, wars ended during the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. Despite the fact that there are conflicts and wars in Europe, it was clear from the events in Baku that there are no wars in sport. Of course, these Games, in which virtually all the countries of Europe are participating, are making their contribution to an international dialogue and improving trust.

- How do you see the future for the European Games?

- The need to hold a continental competition has been discussed for over 20 years. Azerbaijan was a superb example of excellent work, and it has hosted real Olympic Games in 2015. We, the Olympic committees of different countries, must now work towards hosting the next Games in a worthy manner. First and foremost, we must see that a higher class of athletes in the track-and-field and in swimming take part. The federations of these sports argue that the European Games coincide with world championships. These arguments are without foundation. The competition in Baku showed that the world sporting public was very interested in the European Games. All the national Olympic organizations in Europe want the European Games to be held between Olympics. That is why another integrated international high-level sporting event begins its journey from the Games in Baku.

- What sort of impression did Baku make? The first Games were also an opportunity to get to know Azerbaijan…

- I was in Azerbaijan 10 years ago. Since then the Azerbaijani capital has become a completely new city and has become even more beautiful. We were able to visit the city centre and the maritime boulevard. We love Baku, it's a beautiful city with welcoming people.

- What do you remember most or pleased you at the European Games?

- The opening ceremony was just fantastic. I was most impressed by the organization and staging of the European Games themselves.

[Q] Are you happy with the way the Lithuanians performed?

- Seventy-two athletes represented Lithuania at these Games; the same number usually take part in the Olympics. We had a gold medal at the European Games in the canoe and bronze medals in beach volleyball and sambo. In Lithuania, two local TV channels - TV3 and TV6 - have been conducting direct relays from the Games. I think we should be pleased with the medals won by our athletes in Baku.