A fortnight before the first European Games in Baku, a popular event which has become an institution in Europe will be held for the 60th time.

Back in 1955 at a meeting in Monaco, representatives of national television stations on the continent decided to start launch a Eurovision Song Contest. That year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held a contest of its own to find the definitive Olympic music and a man from Monaco, Prince Pierre, was its most enthusiastic supporter.

Despite the best efforts of some distinguished music makers, finding a universal Olympic hymn in the preceding quarter century had proved impossible.