European Olympic Committees President Mr Patrick Hickey visited Baku over the weekend and was updated on the latest progress by the Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee.
Mr Hickey enjoyed a tour of the Baku 2015 venues, visited the organisation’s new headquarters and also met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
He also took part in the signing of the deal with State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) as they were announced as an Official Partner of the European Games, and viewed the new terminal at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
Mr Hickey, who is also President of the Olympic Council of Ireland and an IOC Executive Board member, said: “To see the significant progress made in recent months by the Baku 2015 team was extremely encouraging.
“The construction of the venues continues to progress remarkably quickly, and it was also a good opportunity to receive an extended update on the developed and improved sports programme.
“I am more than confident that Baku 2015 will fulfil the European Olympic Committees’ vision of an innovative and sustainable first edition of the European Games, which will set the standard for multi-sport events the world over.
“I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev and the entire Baku 2015 European Games team for their time and their warm welcome once more in Azerbaijan.”
At the signing of the SOCAR announcement, Mr Hickey also gave a speech to the international media where he explained the European Olympic Committees’ vision for the continent’s inaugural multi-sport event and the lasting benefits for Azerbaijan in hosting the European Games.
Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “It is always an honour to have Mr Hickey visit and this was another useful opportunity to update him on all of our plans.
“As someone who has been involved with the vision of the European Games from the very beginning, we value his opinion on our work and look forward to welcoming him to Baku once more in the near future.”
ENDS
Jack Zorab
Senior Account Executive
JTA
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