SO SAID, SO DONE

Hosting the first European Games, Azerbaijan has established high standards of conducting a competition of a new format. In fact, Baku has organized the European Games on the level of, or perhaps even a cut above, summer Olympic Games. While the whole process of preparation was accompanied by active information of the public about the ongoing works, today many still wonder how it was possible, how much it cost, how we are going to benefit from holding the European Games, etc. In short, it would be good to sum up the process of preparations for the Games. Despite his tough working schedule, Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and chief executive officer of the Operating Committee of the first European Games, has kindly agreed to answer our questions.

- Mr. Minister, please accept our congratulations on the successful opening of the European Games in Baku - the first in the history of world sports. Just how difficult was it to organize this grandiose event? I mean, the Games as a whole.

- Today, Azerbaijan is in the focus of attention of the whole world. The country shows the development in all spheres of life. The holding of championships of European and world dimension has become an everyday occurrence for Baku. In this sense, the fact that the mission of holding such a prestigious event has been entrusted to Azerbaijan testifies to a high level of confidence in the country.

Typically, such competitions require some seven or eight years of preparation. We have completed all preparatory work in a little more than two years. To a large extent, Baku is able to host the continental Games due to personal attention and support of Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, and Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the first European Games.

Everything that is done for the first time is more difficult and the responsibility borne is greater. Nevertheless, today Baku is setting standards for European Games. Future host countries will be able to draw on this experience.

In order to conduct the Games to a high level, it was important to organize cohesive teamwork. Hence, the Operations Committee included both experienced foreign experts and domestic staff. Work with the population has been carried out, too. Eventually, everyone has contributed to the holding of the Games.

These Games are a good opportunity to unite peoples. This is a festival of friendship, a celebration that has gathered people, a promotion of healthy lifestyle. By organizing the first European Games, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its ability to hold an international event of any calibre.

These Games are also important for our country in terms of strengthening its place on the European map. We are often asked: "Where is Azerbaijan?" Well, after the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and the current European Games, most people in the world will find the answer to this question.

- What help could Azerbaijan provide, just in case, in terms of organizing the second European Games?

- European Games standards have been established in Azerbaijan, and we are ready to help, should our assistance be requested. The torch of the first European Games was lit in the ancient temple of Atasgah. We can help the organizers of the next European Games to get the flame from this historic place if they wish so.

- On the eve of the competition, the media spread various reports about organizational costs. And yet, how much has been spent?

- We can only speak about the total sum of financial expenses after the completion of the Games. There are special criteria for this. In preparing for such large-scale events, most of the cost is usually spent on construction of sports facilities. However, we have focused on reconstruction and rehabilitation of the existing sports facilities. We also decided to use the mixed-use building of the Cristal Hall centre, in which the Eurovision contest was held. Now this arena is a venue for conducting European Games competitions in five sports. At the same time, we have built new facilities. But we should not forget that the construction of these arenas had been planned yet before the European Games. The construction of the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre and the Shooting Centre had already been planned for.

Actually, the European Games have three different budgets. One of them is the infrastructure budget that is managed by the executive authority of the city of Baku. The second budget is for the construction, and the third one is for the operating costs. I can say with confidence that the budget is used prudently. The experience of the Olympic Games shows that the organizers tend to go beyond the scope of the planned budget, whereas we can even save some money.

- What will happen to the sports facilities after the European Games?

- These facilities will be used for the development of sport in Azerbaijan. People will be able to engage in the corresponding sports activities in the new centres. On the other hand, a rich sports infrastructure will make it possible to host any competition here. There will be no need to build new sports facilities. Today, these facilities have enabled us to conduct the European Games, and in the future, they will allow us to grow new generations of athletes.

- Can we expect that after the successful organization of the first European Games, Baku will come forward as a candidate to host the Summer Olympics?

- It is too early to speak about this. Currently, all our attention is focused on holding the European Games. After all, we will continue to work after their completion. It is important to see off each athlete and guest gracefully. But it can already be admitted that Baku has showed great organizational skills. While previously the International Olympic Com-mittee reproached us for the lack of experience in holding competitions of this dimension, now we have shown that we are able to host any event. The first European Games have further enhanced the credibility of Azerbaijan.

Baku is now visited by a large number of tourists. They are getting acquainted with the history, culture and life of our country. Back home, these tourists will share their experiences about what they have seen. Furthermore, the European Games will be covered by more than 1,500 journalists and the competitions will be televised by many channels. All of this contributes to the promotion and development of our country.

- What are your expectations for the Azerbaijani sportsmen? In your opinion, what will be the ranking of our team in terms of the number of medals won?

- At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Azerbaijan was represented by 53 athletes. A squad of more than 50 people strong is already considered a large team. Our pride and joy knew no bounds when our large national team of athletes carried the flag of Azerbaijan at the opening of the Games. At Baku 2015, we are represented by as many as 291 athletes. Just think, what an opportunity for the athletes! Forecasting is a thankless task, but we are confident that we will achieve great triumphs.

- What sports are most promising?

- We rely on all athletes but expect success in traditional sports most of all. Wrestlers have always pleased us by great achievements. Boxers and judokas will also aspire for medals. Gymnasts are well-prepared for the competition, too. We also have great expectations for our rowers. But let us not run ahead. It is better to wait for the end of the competition.

- And finally, what would you like to tell the viewers and fans of the European Games?

- The first European Games is a historic event. The competition, the whole of the continent has been dreaming about, is being held in Baku. This is also a festival of sport. I invite all of Baku citizens and guests to be active on this holiday. I would also like to thank thousands of volunteers who participate in the European Games. No public event is possible without volunteers. After a few years, all of us will be proud to recall our participation in the European Games - the first in the history of world sports.

I congratulate everybody on this remarkable occasion and call for support to our athletes. Their victories will double our joy.