Baku, Azerbaijan, June 23
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
Azerbaijan organized the first European Games at the level of Olympic Games, German female fencer Britta Heidemann told Trend June 23.
Both the Athletes' Village and the sports arenas are at the level of Olympic facilities, she said.
"I feel myself like at the Olympics here," said the female athlete. "I am very glad I decided to come."
She said that the first European Games are held between the European Fencing Championships and the World Fencing Championships.
"Timing of European Games was chosen for us very well," the female fencer said. "In general, the idea itself of holding European Games is great. This is a great experience for the athletes. At the same time, strong athletes participate in the competitions."
She said that she is going to take a walk along Baku to explore the city, saying it is her first visit here. Heidemann admitted that she liked Azerbaijan a lot.
"People here are very friendly and hospitable, always ready to help," said the German female athlete. "I felt great from the very first moment I set foot on this land."
The European Games kicked off in Baku June 12 and will last till June 28. There are a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports.
More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe came to Baku to represent their nations over 17 days of competition. Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.
