Baku, Azerbaijan, 6th February 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games organisers and EOC delegation today concluded the final visit by the EOC Coordination Commission, a high-level body of delegates charged with overseeing progress towards the inaugural European Games, to open up on June 12 in Azerbaijan’s capital city.

Commission members received a full briefing on preparations by each Baku 2015 directorate. In addition, they took a tour along the Games Route Network and visited venues including the Baku Shooting Centre, Mountain Bike Velopark, Heydar Aliyev Arena, and a drive-by of the European Games Park.

They also attended the opening ceremony of the Baku 2015 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre, where participants in the Flame Keeper volunteer programme will register and collect their uniforms.

EOC members praised the impressive progress which has been made since Baku was awarded the right to host the Games in December 2012.

Mr Patrick Hickey, EOC President said: “This EOC visit to Baku ahead of the first European Games has confirmed that the city is fully prepared to host an unforgettable event. To have achieved so much in two years is a testament to Azerbaijan’s dedication to hosting the Games, and Europe’s athletes and sport fans will be delighted with the high standard of venues and facilities which await them. Baku 2015 will be the perfect launch-pad for the European Games.”

Mr Spyros Capralos, Chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission, added: “Baku 2015 is on track to deliver an outstanding inaugural European Games. BEGOC is entering the final phase of preparations now, and every day counts. But they have delivered on all their construction targets so far and I am very confident that Baku will be ready in good time.

"In addition, these Games will be innovative, which will act as a great blueprint to guide future European Games host cities. I am very much looking forward to coming back in June for the Baku 2015 Opening Ceremony."

Mr Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Chief Executive Officer of Baku 2015, said: “We now have a little more than four months until the Opening Ceremony. There remains much to do, but the momentum we have built will not falter for a second.

“We will spare no effort in ensuring that the first European Games are an inspirational celebration of sport and friendship for the whole continent.”
Speaking to the media Minister Rahimov added that, the inaugural European Games will change the image of Baku and become a call for a healthy lifestyle.