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Presentation of the Baku-2015 First European Games took place in the city of Rome, March 4.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Chairperson of the First European Games Organizing Committee Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attended the presentation ceremony. 

Held with the joint support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Italy, the event was joined by Italy’s Minister for Education Mrs Stephanie Giannini, President of the National Olympic Committee of Italy (NOCI) Giovanni Malago, Mayor of the city of Rome Ignacio Marino, President of the European Olympic Committee (EOC), member of the International Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors and President of the Irish Olympic Council Patrick Hickey, as well as representatives of Italy’s public-political, cultural circles, international sport society, and influential guests. 

First, acquaintance with an exhibition comprised of Azerbaijani sculptors’ works took place at the event arranged in the National Modern Art Gallery of Italy. At an exhibition entitled “We Together” - comprised of bronze statues devoted to the Baku-2015 First European Games - works describing different types of sports by over 20 Azerbaijani sculptors are demonstrated. 

The visitors were presented various publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about Azerbaijan, including booklets devoted to the First European Games. Attendees of the event acquainted themselves with publications, disks and other visual aids related to Azerbaijan’s history, culture, art and cuisine.

Host of the event gave information about the Baku-2015 First European Games, talked about the significance of holding the Games in Azerbaijan, a country with old history, rich culture and traditions, highly tolerant environment and hospitality. 

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.  

Then attendees of the ceremony watched a documentary devoted to the Baku-2015 First European Games. Preparation works for the First European Games and projects being carried out in Baku in connection with the Games have been reflected shown in the documentary.  

Delivering a speech at the event, Italy’s Minister for Education Mrs Stephanie Giannini talked about the contribution that Mehriban Aliyeva made to the development of not only sports, but also other spheres. She appreciated the holding of this event in Rome as a sign of high-level relations between Azerbaijan and Italy. The minister said Italy too will make its contribution to these Games to ensure that they are held successfully, and highly appreciated the rapid preparation works.

President of the European Olympic Committee (EOC), member of the International Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors and President of the Irish  Olympic Council Patrick Hickey said the Organizing Committee headed by Mehriban Aliyeva has been showing great attention to the Games and carrying out serious preparation works, which is worth of esteem: “This factor shows that EOC took a right decision by choosing Baku to host the first European Games”. 

Saying “The first European Games will be beneficial for all – sportsmen, federations, National Olympic committees and the European youth at large”, Patrick Hickey noted: “This sport events to be soon hosted by Azerbaijan will inspire the youth all over the world”.

President of the National Olympic Committee of Italy (NOCI) Giovanni Malago underscored the significance of the “Baku-2015” First European Games in terms of creating conditions for qualifying rounds for the Summer Olympic Games to be held in Rio-de-Janeiro in 2016.  

Giovanni Malago said Azerbaijan has been successfully meeting its duties to host such a grandiose event: “I’m confident this country will be able to draw attention of European sport-lovers by its hospitality. The fact that the preparation works for the European Games in Azerbaijan are performed rapidly and on a high level talks about this country’s serious approach of the Games and respect for the European sports world. The Baku-2015 First European Games will be remembered as a significant sports event for a long time.”

Mayor of the city of Rome Ignacio Marino talked about the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy in the spheres of culture, sports etc. The mayor expressed confidence the first European Games will be held on the highest level. 

Then President of EOC Patrick Hickey presented a  souvenir to Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of 100 days remaining until the start of the Baku-2015 First European Games.