Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 16
Trend:
The European Games is the most positive event in the European sport in the last perhaps 50 years, Director of Sport at Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee Pierce O'Callaghan told Trend on "This week in focus" program episode.
He reminded that the test events in boxing and wrestling take place this week in Crystal Hall. These events are very important for a number of reasons, he said, adding that they will help to check the work of the athletes, media, venue management, crowd control etc.
"And test events are very good indicators of how ready they are," said O'Callaghan.
O'Callaghan said that the European Games in Baku will be very different from the usual European Championships.
"There is only one sport in the European Athletics Championship or European Wrestling Championship, and in the Baku 2015 European Games we have 20 sports, all taking place in two week period," he said. "We have 20 championships taking place simultaneously over two weeks period."
"In terms of the Olympic Games it is probably a lot more similar, it is a multisport environment," he said. "The fundamental difference from the Olympic Games is that the European Games are just open for the European athletes, not the world."
O'Callaghan said that a great opportunity is provided for the people to see a sporting event of a very high level in their hometown.
O'Callaghan said that wrestling, boxing, judo, taekwondo, karate combat sports, which are more famous and well developed in the country, will be very popular among the local spectators, fans in Azerbaijan.
However, international spectators who may be more interested in other sports, will also come to the European Games, O'Callaghan said.
He went on to add that the tickets went on sale two weeks ago, and they are sold at a very low price - 2-3 manats. Entrance for children under 16 accompanied by adults is free, he said. And so, everyone will have the opportunity to visit the European Games, according to O'Callaghan.
"The media coverage will be fantastic," he said. "I could say it is the most successful aspect of the European games. A number of countries have signed broadcasting agreements. The South America with exception of Brazil will broadcast European games, as well as in China, India."
He went on to add that the tickets are selling very quickly and the ceremony will have live broadcasting.
O'Callaghan said that every single aspect of the European Games will be a surprise. "Everybody will be surprised, and I think that even the locals will be surprised how well the European Games are organized," he said, adding that everybody in Azerbaijan will feel a great sense of pride.
The European Games will contribute to the sport community in Azerbaijan in so many ways, according to O'Callaghan.
The primary contribution is the building of infrastructure, he said. O'Callahan said there are no doubts that Azerbaijan will hold such kind of events in the future.
He also mentioned the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017, and Formula 1 in 2016, which will be held in Azerbaijan.
"I think Azerbaijan will show the world what it is capable to do and that it is capable to achieve great things," O'Callaghan 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.
Aygun Badalova is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:@AygunBadalova
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