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New Europe newspaper releases newsletter on first European Games

09 June 2015 12:13 (UTC +04:00)

The Baku 2015 First European Games Journey of the Flame, which started in Ateshgah on April 26, has traveled more than 5,000km. On June 7, it arrived in Azerbaijan’s capital city where it will remain until it’s time to light the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony on June 12.

Since April 26 when the Baku 2015 Flame was captured at the sacred Ateshgah temple, it has traveled the length and breadth of Azerbaijan. The Flame has since passed through 60 regions. On June 8, the torch will be carried through nine of the Baku 2015 venues, including the National Gymnastics Arena, the Baku Aquatics Centre and the Basketball Arena.

The Baku 2015 Flame will also tour the Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on June 9 and be carried through Baku’s parks and cultural spaces on June 10. On June 11, the torch will officially depart for the Olympic Stadium in preparation for the Opening Ceremony on June 12.

“The Journey of the Flame has brought the spirit of Baku 2015 into the hearts of Azerbaijanis throughout the country,” said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s youth and sport and chief executive officer of Baku 2015. “It has built anticipation and excitement ahead of this defining moment for Azerbaijan and will now involve the Baku public in the magic of the first European Games.”

In turn, Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “Our wonderful host city of Baku is everything we could have asked for as organizers of this new continental-scale event. The passion and energy of its people, and their enthusiasm for these historic first European Games will be captured perfectly by the celebrations that will take place here during the Journey of the Flame.”

Twelve permanent and six temporary sports venues are ready for the start of the First European Games in Baku. The state-of-the-art facilities include the new Olympic Stadium, which will feature the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics events. After the Games, the stadium will become the new home of the Azerbaijani national football team.

Of the 12 permanent venues, five are new (National Gymnastics Arena, BMX Velopark, Baku Aquatics Centre, Baku Shooting Centre and the Olympic Stadium). The six temporary venues include the Water Polo Arena, Beach Arena, Basketball Arena, Mountain Bike Velopark, Triathlon and Cycling venues.

Other facilities include 10 training and some three dozen non-competition venues, including the newly built Athletes Village which boasts 1,042 apartments.