The survey of 150,403 Azerbaijani students - the largest ever undertaken in the country - also showed that more than 26,000 are keen to apply for the 12,000 volunteer roles through the "Be Amongst The Winners" recruitment programme, which in its first two months of operation has already garnered more than 8,000 applications.

"This detailed survey of Azerbaijan's student population proves how much passion there is for the European Games amongst the young generation," Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015, said.

"It is very encouraging to know that so many young people are keen to help make the Games come alive, as we want the world to be made to feel welcome and experience the famous Azerbaijani hospitality.

"We will work hard to ensure that we capture the enthusiasm felt by the students as we continue to approach the inaugural European Games and host an event that the entire continent will enjoy."

Azerbaijan Student Youth Organisations’ Union chairman Shahin Ismailov, Farhad Hajiyev, Simon Clegg and Azer Almammadov speak at a Baku 2015 press conference ©Baku 2015


With 60 per cent of the population under the age of 30, Azerbaijan Youth Foundation executive director and Baku 2015 Board member Farhad Hajiyev understands the vital role the young generation will play in securing the legacy of the European Games.

"The volunteers will be central to the success of the Games and I am sure the experience they gain will contribute to Azerbaijan's future development," he said.

"The whole of the country is passionate about sport and Baku 2015 will be the perfect platform to promote Azerbaijan as a modern and dynamic country capable of hosting major international sporting events.

"As university students return to their studies in the coming weeks, we look forward to the next phase of our campaign and receiving thousands more applications from young Azerbaijanis who want to help support the Games."

Azer Almammadov was among the first Baku 2015 volunteers to be selected and is looking forward to working at next year's Games - something he calls "an amazing opportunity".

"We are a young country and the first European Games will give us the opportunity to show that Azerbaijanis are involved in shaping the future of our nation," the 21-year-old said.

"We want to show the rest of Europe and even the world what we can accomplish while welcoming a range of people from a number of different countries and cultures."

The Baku 2015 European Games are due to take place from June 12 until June 28 next year.

Find out more about the Baku 2015 volunteer programme here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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