SETTING A HIGH STANDARD

The head of the European Olympic Committees, Patrick Hickey, who has visited Azerbaijan many times over the past two years, has personally monitored preparations for the 1st European Games.

Hickey, who had the opportunity to watch the phases of the preparations, told in an interview with R+ about what is expected of the European Games and about the final phase of works.

- Preparations for the first-ever European Games were carried out within just only two and a half years. Did you believe in 2012, when entrusting Azerbaijan with holding the European Games, that all work would be done so fast?

- First of all, I want to congratulate the entire Azerbaijani nation. Baku is hosting the first-ever European Games and has attracted the attention of the entire continent. When two and a half years ago Baku received the right to host the 1st European Games, there was a lot of worry and excitement. Certainly, Azerbaijan does have certain experience in hosting international sporting events. But organizing such a large event within such a short period of time is real heroism. Normally, Summer Olympic Games take seven to eight years to prepare. But Azerbaijan managed to prepare for the 1st European Games within two and a half years. In this regard, the Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev, and the head of the Organizing Committee of the European Games and president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, deserve big credit. They kept under their control almost every issue and were able to resolve them at a high level. President Ilham Aliyev said at one of our meetings that Baku would organize the 1st European Games at a high level. Today I can see that those words have been confirmed. The history of the European Games starts in Baku. Azerbaijan shapes the standards for this event. From this point of view, every Azerbaijani is a witness to a historic event.

- Are you happy with the level of preparation of the sporting arenas for the European Games?

- The construction of many arenas was planned long ago. After the programme of the European Games was endorsed, several more arenas were needed. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to sports. The new sports facilities belong to your nation. You will be able to hold any events to high standards there after the European Games. The Olympic Stadium is very majestic. The Water Sports Palace, the Bike Park, the reconstructed Baku Sports Palace - all these arenas have been prepared at a very high level. Their location is also consistent with the rules of this important tournament. The arenas are located close to Athletes Village. Baku hosting the European Games is an important historic event and Azerbaijan is completely ready for it.

- Several projects that aimed to ensure great public awareness have been implemented in Azerbaijan over the past few months...

- I totally agree with you. We could not have found a better partner for the 1st European Games than Baku. Preparatory work has been done at a very high level for Baku to host the Games. And this is not only about infrastructure for sporting events, but also about gaining experience in this regard. I am happy that many people have agreed to be volunteers in Azerbaijan for the period the competitions will be held. Experts with experience in preparing the Olympic Games in London are working with local volunteers. We are happy that residents have received invaluable experience and knowledge in holding high-level competitions like the European Games. It was for a reason that the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, and the head of the Association of National Olympic Committees, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah, attended the opening ceremony of the Games.

- The flame of the European Games travelled through all towns and regions of Azerbaijan and many streets of Baku. As you said, all this work has shaped the future standard for the European Games.

- Certainly, all towns that will host the European Games in the future will study Baku's experience. We must not forget that it is not easy at all to be the first to organize any competition. From this point of view, Azerbaijan has done a big job. The idea of the European Games flame was a very symbolic one. Lit at the ancient sanctuary Atasgah, the flame travelled all regions, and local residents met this procession with great interest.

- The European Games Operation Committee has signed broadcasting agreements with many TV companies. Almost the whole world is watching the Games.

- The TV audience is very large. Agreements have been signed with many TV companies. Plus, there are about 1,500 journalists and photographers working in Baku. Each day leading news agencies circulate news reports about the ongoing European Games.

- So, Baku has come to the elite competitions completely prepared…

- All people are talking about now is Baku. A total of 6,000 athletes, a large number of official guests, coaches and journalists are here. I am not even mentioning tourists. They can watch the fight in 20 sports, in six of which there are qualifying competitions for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

- Is there anything you would like to tell readers of our magazine?

- Editions of R+ magazine devoted to the European Games will carry all news and interesting articles. I wish good luck to all the athletes. The strongest athletes are competing in Baku and the best will win. I would advise tourists to go for a walk around Baku. There are many very interesting places here, and national cuisine is very good.