Hoping to capitalise on that excitement, Baku 2015 officials used the event as an opportunity to launch their volunteer programme.

They are searching for 10,000 volunteers who, organisers claim, must be "energetic and reliable people to create a friendly atmosphere at the Games", which is due to open on June 12 next year and last until June 28. 

Leaflets were handed out to the thousands attending this free event along the promenade which runs parallel to Baku's seafront.

"Being a volunteer at the first ever European Games is a wonderful opportunity to play a part in Azerbaijan's history by helping to make the event a success," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015 chief executive.

"Baku 2015 will show the world that Azerbaijan is a young, modern and welcoming European country and I hope that our volunteers will reflect the very best of the good people of Baku."

 A countdown to the celebrations for One Year To Go until the first European Games was projected on the Flame Towers ©Baku 2015

The five-minute firework display, preceded by a countdown on Baku's iconic Flame Towers as midnight approached, used some of the city's other most recognisable landmarks, including Flag Square and the Crystal Hall, built specially for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, as a backdrop.

The event was the highlight of a hectic day for Baku 2015 officials which also included the second day of a seminar for Chef de Missions from across Europe and the announcement of Tissot as the event's second major sponsor for the Games which is due to feature more than 6,000 athletes from 49 countries competing in 19 sports. 

Among the special guests at the event was Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and architect of the event awarded to Baku only in December 2012. 

"With one year to go, it is the perfect moment to look back at what the EOC and Baku 2015 have achieved together over the last two years," he said.

"The scale and pace of development here in Baku have been remarkable.

"But we do not have a moment to lose: two years of excellent work have given us the opportunity to stage a truly outstanding inaugural European Games, and we must make the most of that opportunity.

"Baku 2015 is already in the home straight, and under the leadership of Minister Rahimov I am positive Baku will deliver an innovative, sustainable, impactful and athlete-centred European Games."

The importance of the event was underlined by Rahimov. 

"We are very proud to have celebrated this important milestone" he said.

"The whole of Azerbaijan is passionate about hosting the European Games - you could feel the excitement all over Baku for our One Year To Go celebrations.

"The European Games will have a long term positive impact on our country, and particularly on the lives of our young people.

"We look forward to welcoming people from across Europe to Baku to enjoy world-class sport in an amazing city."

Baku 2015 distributed thousands of leaflets during the One Year To Go celebrations
©Baku 2015

More than 500 volunteers have worked at the European Youth Olympic Trials at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium and the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in the National Gymnastics Arena, currently taking place here.

"At every major international sports event around the world, volunteers play a critical role and without them giving their time, energy and commitment it would be impossible to stage such events," said Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015.

"For athletes and spectators, the volunteers will be the public face of the first ever European Games and this is an amazing chance to play a vital role in what will be a memorable and historic event.

"We very much look forward to welcoming the successful applicants as part of our team consisting of a rich and exciting mix of Azeris and expats from a total of 22 different countries."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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