2015 European Games

Baku 2015 European Games

Official logo of Baku 2015
Host city Baku, Azerbaijan
Nations participating 50
Athletes participating 6,000 (+/-)
Events 253 in 20 sports
Opening ceremony 12 June
Closing ceremony 28 June
Main venue Olympic Stadium
Website baku2015.com
2019  >

The 2015 European Games, also known as Baku 2015 or Baku 2015 European Games (Azerbaijani: Bakı 2015 Avropa Oyunları), will be the inaugural edition of the European Games, an international multi-sport event for athletes representing the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Europe. It will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 12 to 28 June 2015,[1] and will feature over 6,000 athletes from 50 NOCs competing in 20 sports.[2][3]

Host city selection

Baku, host city of the first European Games

Baku was awarded the right to host of the first European Games at the 41st EOC General Assembly in Rome, on 8 December 2012. The European Games will take place every four years thereafter, with the next competition due to be held in 2019.

The decision was made as a result of the secret balloting, where of 48 votes, 38 came in favor of the sole bidder for the event.[4] Eight votes came against, and two more abstained from voting. The representatives of Armenia refused to take part in the voting.[5]

Organisation

The Organising Committee responsible for the inaugural European Games in Baku was established by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Committee is chaired by the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva.,[6] member of the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) was established under the direction of the Chairperson of the Organising Committee.

The Chief Executive Officer of BEGOC is Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sport while the Chief Operating Officer is Simon Clegg.[6]

Preparation

On 8 November 2014, Simon Clegg, Baku 2015 Chief Operating Officer stated that, he had "no concerns" that Baku will meet the deadline.[7]

Venues

There are 4 clusters and 18 competition venues for inaugural European Games. Number of permanent venues is 12. Five of them are new builds such as, National Gymnastics Arena, BMX Velopark, Baku Aquatics Centre, Baku Shooting Centre and Olympic Stadium. There are 6 temporary venues such as, Water Polo Arena, Beach Arena, Basketball Arena, Mountain Bike Velopark, Triathlon, Cycling road race and time trial.

The Athletes Village is located in Nizami raion of Baku.[8] The village comprises 13 buildings, 16 different types of apartments with three to four bedrooms per apartment.[9]

Key to colours
E Existing
N New
T Temporary
Village cluster
Venue Sports Capacity
Olympic Stadium Ceremonies, Athletics 68,000 N
National Gymnastics Arena Gymnastics 6,862 N
Flag square cluster
Venue Sports Capacity
Baku Aquatics Centre Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming 6,000 N
Water Polo Arena Water Polo 2,400 T
Beach Arena Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball 3,900 T
Basketball Arena 3x3 Basketball 2,500 T
Crystal Hall Volleyball 6,000 E
Boxing 3,400
Fencing, Karate, Taekwondo 2,000
City cluster
Venue Sports Capacity
Baku Sports Hall Badminton, Table Tennis 1,700 E
Tofiq Bahramov Stadium Archery 31,200 E
Heydar Aliyev Arena Judo, Wrestling, Sambo 7,700 E
Other venues
Venue Sports Capacity
Baku Shooting Centre Shooting 500 N
Mountain Bike Velopark Mountain biking 1,670 T
BMX Velopark Cycling BMX 1,600 N
Bilgah Beach Triathlon 1,500 T
Mingachevir Canoe sprint 1,300 E

Infrastructure

On June 2014, the Ministry of Communication and High Technologies of Azerbaijan has developed a plan on free Wi-Fi coverage for Baku.[10] The project is expected to cover all public places in Baku, which will include parks, stadiums, and shopping centers.[11]

Visa policy

In accordance with the decree signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 8 August 2014, foreigners and stateless persons who permanently reside in foreign countries and have obtained tickets for the Baku 2015 European Games may obtain a visa on arrival at the Consular Department of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. These are located at the international airports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and this procedure will be available from 2 June 2015. In order to receive a visa upon arrival, all spectators are requested to complete a special form on the Ticket Sales webpage, to purchase a ticket and to obtain their purchase confirmation. It is necessary to present a ticket for the Games, or the document confirming the purchase of a ticket, in order to receive a visa upon arrival.[12][13]

Ticketing

Baku 2015 European Games launched an online sales page on its website to allow fans purchasing tickets for the inaugural event.[14] Conveniently located in the city center, 12 City Ticket Outlets are selling tickets now for the Baku 2015 European Games.[15] During the Games (from 12 June), all remaining tickets will be made available at Venue Box Offices located in all competition venues.

Adult tickets for sport sessions range between AZN 2 – AZN 5, according to competition round (for example preliminary or final), seat category, and venue. Children and teenagers under 16 will benefit from complimentary admission to most venues when accompanied by an adult (aged 18+) in possession of ID and a valid ticket for the session. The only exceptions will be events held at the Heydar Aliyev Arena and National Gymnastics Arena, where admission for under-16s will cost just AZN 1.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will have a separate, affordable pricing scheme for spectators of all ages. Opening Ceremony seats will be priced from AZN 20, with seats at the Closing Ceremony priced from AZN 10.

Volunteers

The Baku European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC) will recruit 12,000 volunteers for the Games time.[16]

Opening ceremony

The Opening Ceremony will be held on 12 June and will be directed by noted artistic choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou who was widely praised for his work during 2004 Summer Olympics. Leading production company, FiveCurrents, led by Scott Givens and Mark Poncher, have been appointed to produce the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Baku 2015 European Games,[17][18][19]

The Opening Ceremony will be held in the Olympic Stadium. Olympic Stadium is a multi-function venue designed to host football matches and athletic meets. It is located just to the north of the Athletes Village (AVL) and will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the European Games as well as Athletics competition. [20]

Closing ceremony

The Closing Ceremony will be held on 28 June in the Olympic Stadium. The Baku 2015 Closing Ceremony will be the farewell show reuniting 6,000 athletes from the 50 national delegations for the very last time, as well as the families of the athletes, coaches, volunteers and sponsors and the general public. Baku 2015 European Games announced that James Hadley has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the Closing Ceremony.[21]

The Games

Participating NOCs

  Host nation
  Participating nations

More than 6,000 athletes, from 50 European countries, are expected to participate in the inaugural edition of the European Games.

Participating National Olympic Committees

Sports

A total of 20 sports will be represented: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. Twelve of the sports (Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball, Wrestling) will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

  • Gymnastics
    • Acrobatic (8)
    • Aerobic (2)
    • Artistic (14)
    • Rhythmic (8)
    • Trampoline (4)
  • Judo (16)
    • Para-Judo (2)
  • Karate (12)
  • Sambo (8)

Calendar

The competition schedule consists of 253 events.[22][23] The Agenda as the competition schedule may change.

OCOpening ceremony ●Event competitions 1Event finals CCClosing ceremony
June 12th
Fri		 13th
Sat		 14th
Sun		 15th
Mon		 16th
Tue		 17th
Wed		 18th
Thu		 19th
Fri		 20th
Sat		 21st
Sun		 22nd
Mon		 23rd
Tue		 24th
Wed		 25th
Thu		 26th
Fri		 27th
Sat		 28th
Sun		 Medal
Events
       CeremoniesOC CC
Archery ● 1 2 ● ● 1 1 5
Athletics ● 2 1
Badminton ● ● ● ● ● 2 3 5
Basketball (3x3) ● ● ● 2 2
Beach soccer ● ● ● ● 1 1
Boxing ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 5 5 5 15
Canoe sprint ● 5 10 15
       Cycling BMX ● ● 2 8
Mountain biking 2
Road cycling 2 1 1
Diving 2 2 2 2 8
Fencing 2 2 2 3 3 12
Gymnastics ● 2 1 2 3 10 16 34
Judo 5 6 5 2 18
Karate 6 6 12
Sambo 8 8
Shooting 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 19
Swimming 7 8 9 7 11 42
Synchronised swimming ● ● ● 2 2 4
Table tennis ● ● 2 ● ● ● 2 4
Taekwondo 2 2 2 2 8
Triathlon 1 1 2
Volleyball ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 1 1 ● ● ● ● ● 1 1 4
Water polo ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 1 1 2
Wrestling 4 4 4 4 4 4 24
Total 13 11 15 21 11 16 11 18 25 13 9 10 21 23 27 9 253
June 12th
Fri		 13th
Sat		 14th
Sun		 15th
Mon		 16th
Tue		 17th
Wed		 18th
Thu		 19th
Fri		 20th
Sat		 21st
Sun		 22nd
Mon		 23rd
Tue		 24th
Wed		 25th
Thu		 26th
Fri		 27th
Sat		 28th
Sun		 Medal
Events

Broadcasting

International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) will be the host broadcaster of the European Games.[24] During the Games, ISB will produce an anticipated 800 hours of broadcast coverage in high definition, including live coverage of all event semi-finals and finals and a daily highlights package. ISB will also cover the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the evening entertainment from the Victory Celebration Plaza

Europe
Territory Broadcaster Ref
 Albania Tring Media [25]
 Austria Sport1 [26]
 Belarus Belarus 5 [25]
 Belgium Sport 10 [27]
 Denmark TV 2 [28]
 Estonia ERR [29]
 Finland Yle [30]
 France L'Equipe 21 [31]
 Germany Sport1 [26]
 Greece NERIT sports [30]
 Hungary DigiSport [27]
 Ireland Setanta Sports [32]
 Italy Sky Italia [33]
 Latvia LTV [29]
 Lithuania TV6 [34]
 Luxembourg RTL Group [25]
 Moldova Moldova Sport TV [25]
 Poland Polsat [35]
 Portugal Sport TV [29]
 Romania DigiSport [27]
 Slovakia DigiSport [25]
 Slovenia RTV Slovenija [29]
 Spain RTVE [29]
  Switzerland Sport1 [26]
 Turkey NTV Spor [36]
 United Kingdom BT Sport [37]
Rest of the World
Territory Broadcaster Ref
 Angola Sport TV [29]
 Arab States ASBU [38]
 Australia Seven Network [39]
 Canada Universal Sports [40]
 China CCTV [41]
 India NEO Sports [42]
 Japan TBS [43]
 South Korea SBS
 Mozambique Sport TV [29]
 United States Universal Sports [40]
 Hong Kong TVB [40]

Marketing

Logo and mascots

The official logo for the Baku 2015 European Games was unveiled on 16 June 2014.[44] Designed by Adem Yunusov, it was inspired by country’s ancient and contemporary culture.[45] The logo includes flame, water, the mythical Simurgh bird, a Azerbaijani carpet and a pomegranate as one of the symbols of Azerbaijani profusion.[45][46] The pomegranate, called Nar, is one of two mascots for the Games, along with a gazelle named Jeyran. The pair are intended to represent the spirit of Azerbaijan and help excite the youth for the event.[47]

Brand and visual identity

London-based brand agency, SomeOne, developed the brand system for the games. The brand incorporates traditional Azerbaijani imagery with images and colours designed to evoke a European sporting feel. The pomegranate tree, whose fruit juice is one of Azerbaijan's main exports, features heavily. The brand was created with legacy potential in mind, possibly inspired by the way the Commonwealth Games’ branding retains a similar feel each year. [48] Baku 2015 European Games and design partner SomeOne won the top award, Best Use of a Visual Property, at the prestigious 2015 Transform European Awards, which took place at The Brewery in London. [49]

Medals

Baku 2015 European Games marked the start of the 100 Days To Go countdown by revealing the design of medals for the inaugural event.The medal design was created by renowned jeweller Adamas, which also produced the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games medals, in collaboration with Azerbaijani artist Nargiz Huseynova. They will be manufactured locally by Azersouvenir.

Sponsors

On 21 May 2014, Procter & Gamble became the first Official Partner of the inaugural European Games.[50][51] Swiss watchmaker Tissot has been named the official timekeeper and will provide all timing and scoring services.[52] On 13 November 2014, Motorola Solutions also teamed up with Baku 2015 as the Official Radio Communications Supporter.[53]

Official Partners Official Supporters Official Child Rights Organisation

Torch Relay

Sunday April 26 the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev captured the official flame of the Baku 2015 European Games.[54]In a celebration of Azerbaijan’s extraordinary landscape, culture and heritage, the flame will travel the length and breadth of the country, spreading the spirit of the Games and warming the hearts of people in 60 locations until the final torchbearer enters the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on 12 June.[55]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "About the Games". Baku2015.com. Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC). Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "Participants". Baku2015.com. Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC). Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Sports". Baku2015.com. Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC). Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  4. ↑ Duncan Mackay. "Baku to host first European Games in 2015". insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News.
  5. ↑ "İlk Avropa Oyunları Bakıda keçiriləcək - YENİLƏNİB - FOTO". MILLI.AZ.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Baku 2015: Organisation". www.baku2015.com. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "European Games: No concern over rush to be ready for maiden event in Baku, says CEO". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Athletes Village". baku2015.com.
  9. ↑ "Athletes Village at Baku 2015 European Games Will Be World Class". aroundtherings.com. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  10. ↑ "All Baku to be covered by Wi-Fi before European Games". vestnikkavkaza.net. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Orujova, Nigar. "Baku to launch project on free Wi-Fi deployment". www.azernews.az. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  12. ↑ "Azerbaijan to simplify visa procedures in connection with hosting First European Games". en.trend.az. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  13. ↑ "Azerbaijan introduces visa-free regime for part of foreigners". abc.az. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  14. ↑ "President and First Lady of Azerbaijan purchase first Baku 2015 tickets". baku2015.com.
  15. ↑ "Ticket sales in City Ticket Outlets". baku2015.com.
  16. ↑ "Baku 2015 European Games launches volunteer programme to mark One Year To Go countdown". baku2015.com.
  17. ↑ "Athens Olympics Art Director To Produce 2015 European Games Opening in Baku". en.ria.ru. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  18. ↑ Cushan, David. "FiveCurrents and Papaioannou hired to produce Baku 2015 opening". www.sportspromedia.com. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  19. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games appoints Artistic Director for Opening Ceremony". baku2015.com.
  20. ↑ "Baku confident of being ready for European Games". Reuters.
  21. ↑ "Baku 2015 European Games appoints Artistic Director for Closing Ceremony". baku2015.com.
  22. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Schedule". baku2015.com.
  23. ↑ schedule version 4.0
  24. ↑ "International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) Selected As Host Broadcaster For Inaugural European Games In Baku". baku2015.com.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcasting agreements with five countries". baku2015.com.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 DOSB. "Der Deutsche Olympische Sportbund : SPORT1 überträgt Europaspiele Baku 2015". dosb.de.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Gary Anderson. "Baku 2015 announce broadcast deals in Belgium, Romania and Hungary". insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News.
  28. ↑ "Baku 2015 -European Games på TV 2". tv2.dk (in Danish).
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs five major European broadcast deals". baku2015.com.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast deals with two more European countries". baku2015.com.
  31. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with French television station L’Equipe 21". baku2015.com.
  32. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with Ireland’s Setanta Sports". baku2015.com.
  33. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast deal in Italy". baku2015.com.
  34. ↑ Pirmąsias Europos žaidynes Baku transliuos TV6
  35. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with Poland 's Polsat Network". baku2015.com.
  36. ↑ Duncan Mackay. "Baku 2015 signs first international broadcast agreement". insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News.
  37. ↑ "BT Sport to broadcast European Games". BT Sport. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  38. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs major broadcast agreement with Arab States Broadcasting Union". baku2015.com.
  39. ↑ Knox, David (April 9, 2015). "Seven to broadcast European Games". TV Tonight. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with US sports cable network". baku2015.com.
  41. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast deal with China Central Television". baku2015.com.
  42. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 signs broadcast agreement with India’s NEO Sports". baku2015.com.
  43. ↑ "Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs deal with Japanese broadcaster". baku2015.com.
  44. ↑ Korram, Andy. "The "European Games, Baku 2015" disclosed their official logo". en.mastaekwondo.com. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "Baku 2015 European Games: an exciting blend of ancient and contemporary culture". uk.news.yahoo.com. Euronews. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  46. ↑ Idyatova, Sabina. "Pomegranate: a crowned fruit". www.azernews.az. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  47. ↑ "Baku 2015 European Games Unveils Official Mascots Jeyran And Nar". www.baku2015.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  48. ↑ "Cultural icon brings European Games brand to life". Transform magazine. 30 September 2014.
  49. ↑ "Baku 2015 European Games brand wins top award at the 2015 Transform Awards Europe". Baku 2015.
  50. ↑ "Baku 2015 unveil Procter & Gamble as first sponsor for European Games". www.insidethegames.biz. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  51. ↑ Jafarova, Aynur. "BP becomes Baku 2015 European Games official partner". www.azernews.az. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  52. ↑ Mackay, Duncan. "New partner for Baku 2015 as Tissot named official timekeeper". www.insidethegames.biz. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  53. ↑ "Baku 2015 European Games signs Motorola Solutions as Official Supporter". www.marketwatch.com. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  54. ↑ "President Aliyev Captures Baku 2015 European Games Flame at Ancient Temple, Ateshgah". Baku 2015.
  55. ↑ "Baku 2015 Media Guide" (PDF). Baku 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 2015 European Games.