Baku, Azerbaijan, June 9
By Aygun Badalova - Trend:
The Italian Insider, Italy's first English language newspaper, published on its website an article dedicated to the First European Games which will be held in Baku on June 12-28.
"Azerbaijan is preparing to host the first ever edition of the European Games, with its capital Baku set to welcome over 6,000 athletes competing in 20 disciplines. The opening ceremony of the event, which has been likened to the Asian and Pan American Games, will take place on June 12," the article said.
The European Olympic Committee described the European Games as a "way to enhance the reputation of the sport" and it will offer athletes an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, should they meet the necessary requirements in their disciplines.
As the first major sporting event to be hosted in Azerbaijan, organisers and contractors are confident that Baku will be ready come Friday night and the opening ceremony, the article said.
Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place on June 12-28, 2015.
There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.
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Aygun Badalova is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @AygunBadalova
