Minister: Necessary to address a number of tasks for holding first European Games in Baku

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 3 / Trend /

The potential power of Azerbaijani youth is significant, Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov said speaking at the first meeting of the Organising Committee of the first European Games to be held in Baku in 2015.

"Both the physical strength and moral will of Azerbaijani young people are significant. If we create conditions for development of sports, enhance the character of sports and make physical education a part of people's daily life, we will ensure the physical and spiritual health of our nation, "Rahimov said.

These words are confirmed by improving results of Azerbaijani sportsmen at the Olympic Games, he said.

"At the same time the number and quality of competitions held in Azerbaijan increase year by year. Over the last 10 years about 300 sports events of international importance were organised and held at a high level in Azerbaijan. Holding of these events, including the world and European championships in many sports in Baku is becoming a tradition which has created confidence in the Olympic family that competitive sport in our country is held at a high level, "he said.

Rahimov said large scale work carried out in the country on construction, improvement and implementation of infrastructure projects has transformed Baku into one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Considerable work was conducted in Azerbaijan for the creation of a modern sports infrastructure which continues rapidly.

It is necessary to address a number of tasks in a scheduled process for holding the first European Games in Baku, he said.

"As chairman of the Organising Committee, Mehriban Aliyeva noted, construction of temporary sports facilities for some sports is important.

"After relevant agreements are signed with the European sports federations in the second half of March, it will be necessary to build a number of sports facilities in line with international standards, including those for shooting, temporary water polo arena, temporary beach volleyball pitch and so on. At the same time, a number of sports facilities should be brought in line with international standards. They should be brought in a state corresponding to modern standards, as well as technical requirements of international federations. At the same time, these requirements should apply to the organisation of the training process.

Experience has shown that athletes and participants want practice halls to meet the technical requirements and conditions. It is important to note that media representatives are closely watching the training process of the athletes and the conditions in the practice halls have a major impact on general opinion, "Rahimov said.

In his opinion one of the most important areas is the delivery of meals for athletes, coaches and guests during the event, as well as healthcare and transportation issues.

"Plans to establish a special clinic and a dining room in the athletes' village are under discussion. At the same time, VIP rooms for special guests at the competition sites, and catering facilities for athletes participating in competitions and spectators should be created. Along with improvement of the urban transport system, there is a need to acquire special small and large vehicles for the unimpeded and continuous transportation of official delegations, journalists and other guests in the city along the route between the athletes village and sports facilities during the games. Residential, administrative, official and business rooms and areas intended for athletes, coaches and staff in the athletes' village must be equipped with relevant furniture, equipment and supplies. At the same time, necessary infrastructure, including practice halls, pools, service areas, bank, laundry, hairdressing salon, post office, an internet club, cafe, leisure facilities and some others have to be created in the village for each category of guests, " he said.

Rahimov said holding the games will set very serious tasks in front of the country, one of which is high level of participation in this sporting contest.

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