First Lady of Republic of Azerbaijan visits Cannes to promote inaugural European Games

The First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku 2015 European Games Organising Committee Chair, Ms Mehriban Aliyeva, and Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015 Chief Executive Officer, Mr Azad Rahimov, were in Cannes, France this week to promote the inaugural European Games.

They both attended a public opening of a Baku 2015 European Games Exhibition on Wednesday before observing Azerbaijan’s spectacular entry, produced by the Baku Firework Group, in the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique.

The First Lady then spoke at a formal dinner hosted by Mayor of Cannes, Mr David Lisnard, and attended by over 300 people, including members of the European Olympic Committees, on Wednesday evening.

The three-day visit will culminate with a 10km race along the Promenade de la Croisette on Friday, after which the First Lady will present the winners of the race with their medals.

Ms Mehriban Aliyeva, said: "I am delighted to represent the Republic of Azerbaijan in the magnificent city of Cannes and give an insight into the inaugural European Games which will take place in Baku next June.

"The Games will be of benefit to Azerbaijanis of all ages across the whole country, but particularly to the young people of our nation. Baku 2015 will create positive memories and excellent facilities to inspire this generation to take-up and continue to play sport throughout their lives."

Mr Azad Rahimov, added: "At Baku 2015 we continue to make rapid progress towards delivering the first-ever European Games and we are fully confident that we will deliver the perfect stage for athletes from across Europe to achieve their goals.

"The Games will be the largest multi-sport event in the history of Azerbaijan and we are determined to be innovative and sustainable, to try new concepts, and to deliver a first-class event."

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