Besides unveiling it here at the 42nd General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) there was also special ceremonies in Spain and France, as well as Baku.  

This was to mark the fact that the logo is to appear on the front of the shirts of football clubs Atlético Madrid and RC Lens, who play in La Liga and Ligue 1. 

Conceived by 35-year-old Azerbaijani Adem Yunisov, the Baku 2015 brings together five core elements that officials claim have shaped the country's ancient and contemporary culture and aspirations.

These include a carpet, flame, wave, pomegranate and simurgh, a mythical flying creature Azerbaijani's believe represent the union between the earth and the sky.

Azerbaijan Sports Minister Azad Rahimov launches the Baku 2015 logo at the 42nd General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Rome @Francesco Vignali/Baku 2015

"We are honoured to host the first-ever European Games and to welcome athletes and visitors from throughout Europe for this historic event in 2015," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport, who was here to update delegates on preparations for the event.

"Our logo reflects the pride of our nation in its sporting heritage, our commitment to hospitality and welcoming our guests, and our position as an emerging centre for sport, business and tourism in Europe and beyond."

The unveiling of the logo marked another significant milestone for Baku 2015, who were awarded the Games less than a year ago.

"Europe, for the first time, will have its own continental multi-sport event," said Patrick Hickey, President of the EOC.

"For many European athletes, this event will be an important step on the journey to one day wearing their nation's colours as a competitor in the Olympic Games."

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Spain Altay Efendiyev, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, and club President Enrique Cerezo show the new shirt with the Baku 2015 logo @Baku 2015

The deal for the logo to appear on the shirts of Atlético Madrid and RC Lens ensures that it will reach an audience across Europe.

The agreement with Atlético Madrid, who will wear the shirt with the logo for the first time in their match against Getafe CF tonight, is a real coup.

The nine-time La Liga champions last year won the Europa Cup and UEFA Super Cup and are currently second in the league behind Barcelona.

Among the players who appeared in a video here promoting Baku 2015 was David Villa, Spain's all-time goalscorer and a member of their 2010 FIFA World Cup winning team.

For designer Yunisov the unveiling of the logo was a memorable occasion.

"I wanted to reflect the passion and aspirations that the people in Azerbaijan have and share for these first-ever European Games, to be innovative and inspiration in spirit and and in sport.

"This celebratory logo which embodies the vision."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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