Olympiad

Olympiad

President Ilham Aliyev sees off Azerbaijani team to XXX Olympic Games â€“ PHOTOSESSION - UPDATED

President Ilham Aliyev sees off Azerbaijani team to XXX Olympic Games â€“ <font color=red>PHOTOSESSION - UPDATED </font>

03 July 2012 09:01 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that Azerbaijani President, state and governmental officials, MPs, sportsmen participated in the event.

In his speech, President Aliyev expressed confidence in victory of Azerbaijani sportsmen in London Olympic Games.

The Head of State informed about holding of many events for developing the sport in the country and said that the domestic problems of the sportsmen were solved at a high level: â€œPopularity of sport gained a mass character. The sportive glory of our country increased, massiveness of sport was ensured. New sportive infrastructure was established in the country. Some countries learn Azerbaijanâ€™s experience in this sphere. Every year our sportsmen win hundreds of medals in the European and world championshipsâ€.

President noted the continuing construction of Olympic centers in the country. According to him, 34 Olympic centers were functioning and 8 centers were being constructed in the country. The dynamics of sportâ€™s development is increasing in the country: â€œMost of our sportsmen participate in the Olympic Games for the first time. Our youth has a great interest in the sport. Nowadays Azerbaijani sportsmen are considered as serious rivals.

President said that great sport infrastructure was established in Baku. He expressed hope in the start of construction of Olympic stadium this year and underlined that a modern swimming complex would be constructed.

The Head of State also added that Azerbaijan paid great attention to the development of both Olympic and non-Olympic games.

President of Azerbaijan said that he expected many medals and victories from our sportsmen in London Olympic Games: â€œAzerbaijan will participate in this competition with big team â€“ 53 persons for the first time in our history. Our sportsmen have great opportunities. The prize considered for them is being increased and living conditions are being improved. I know that besides it, the main factor that stimulates our sportsmen is their love of country. I have been president of the National Olympic Committee for 15 years.â€

Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov also made a speech at the event and noted that Azerbaijan participates in Olympic Games for the fifth time during the independence. Rahimov also said that 41 persons from sportsmen of the national team participate in Olympic Games for the first time. There are sportsmen in the team, who was born during the independence of Azerbaijan.

The minister added that AZN 14 million has been allocated from the state budget for preparatory works to Olympic Games. Rahimov said that the first group will arrive in London on July 24, the second group on August 4. The flag of Azerbaijan will be raised in London Olympic Town on July 25 and Day of Azerbaijan will be held here on July 28.

Then head coach of Azerbaijan freestyle wrestling team Firdovsi Umudov, member of Paralympics team for athletic, triple world champion Huseyn Huseynov and member of national box team Vatan Huseynov made speeches. Then the sportsmen kissed Azerbaijani flag and swore an oath.