The European Olympic Committees (EOC) are now encouraging the 50 National Olympic Committees to hold special events to mark the 100-day countdown to the Games on March 4.

Television deals have been signed with 43 broadcasters to show the Games in more than 100 countries.

But, so far no deal has been announce in Britain and most of the channels who will be showing the event across Europe are satellite companies who do not have the reach of the major terrestrial channels.

Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), is keen, therefore, to ensure maximum publicity for an event that is largely his creation.  

"Whether it's promotional campaigns, gala events, sports and cultural shows, all NOCs have been invited to celebrate this date in the most innovative and attention getting way possible, with two prizes for whoever does best at promoting Baku 2015," said the EOC on their website. 

Hickey is accompanying the EOC Coordination Commission, chaired by Greece's Spyros Capralos, here as it started it fifth and final two-day visit to the Azerbaijan capital.

The EOC Coordination Commission were filled in on preparations for the inaugural European Games at a meeting chaired by Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva ©Baku 2015

Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Lady of  Azerbaijan and the chair of Baku 2015, updated the Commission on progress and revealed that construction of the permanent venues is due to be completed by the end of this month. 

"The Games will mark a historic moment for European sport, and for Azerbaijan it will be a milestone in our progress as an independent, forward-looking member of the European family," said Aliyeva.

"We accepted the honour and responsibility of staging these inaugural Games, and today and tomorrow you will see that your trust in us has not been misplaced."

It was revealed that 600 international media are expected to travel here to cover the Games, due to be held between June 12 and 28 and in which an estimated 6,000 athletes will compete in 31 disciplines in 20 sports. 

"Though we are fully on schedule, we know that there is no time for complacency, and that each day counts in fine-tuning our preparations," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport and chief executive of Baku 2015.

"We are on track to deliver infrastructure worthy of sporting events of the highest calibre, and I am sure that this will be the case in Baku this summer when we host the first-ever European Games.

"Azerbaijan will deliver a first-class event that will create positive memories and excellent facilities to inspire not only Azerbaijanis, but also future countries hosting the event."

Spyros Capralos, the Greek who heads the EOC Coordination Commission, joined Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015, to open the Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre ©Baku 2015

As part of its inspection, the EOC Coordination Commission travelled along the proposed Baku 2015 Games Route Network, visiting the Baku Shooting Centre, Mountain Bike Velopark, Heydar Aliyev Arena, and a drive-by of the European Games Park.

The tour concluded with the official opening of the Baku 2015 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre (UDAC) by Rahimov.

All Flamekeepers - the successful applicants to the Baku 2015 volunteer programme - will register and collect their specially-designed uniforms from the new building prior to the Games.

Aliyeva claimed they had received more than 16,000 applications to be volunteers at the Games.

"This is one of the Games' most valuable legacies and I am sure that this is an opportunity for a great experience for their future life," she said. 

Capralos appeared impressed by what he had seen so far.

"Seeing the progress of the world-class sports facilities on the venue tour and following the Games Route Network between venues has been invaluable for myself and my Commission," he said.

"It was also a great experience to be present for the UDAC official opening."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2015: Baku 2015 unveil leading Azerbaijani companies as latest Official Supporters
February 2015: Baku 2015 announces agreements with five more European broadcasters
January 2015: Famous television presenter added to list of Celebrity Ambassadors for Baku 2015
January 2015: Eurovision Song Contest winners pay visit to auditions for European Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies
January 2015: Baku 2015 provide strong impression at World Economic Forum