Gabala, April 28, AZERTAC

National journey Baku 2017 that started at the Caspian seashore came to Gabala yesterday. This tour will cover 15 regions of Azerbaijan and bring sport feast atmosphere along with solidarity and joy feeling to the nation.

The first event was held yesterday morning around Nohur lake in connection with this remarkable day. Nohur lake, located near the Caucasus Mountains, between the misty forests, being remembered with its blue waters, is beautiful in any season of the year. In 1949, the reservoir was created near this lake to supply the surrounding villages with water. Today it is a popular recreation center.

During the water ceremony, painting and dance enthusiast Shafiga Bayramzade, winner of international taekwondo tournaments Khayal Azizov and gold medalist of World Boxing Championship Javid Chalabiyev filled vessel with water taken from the lake. Then the water vessel was presented at the evening Water Festival. The vessel which started its journey from Baku will be a part of the Opening Ceremony at Baku Olympic Stadium on May 12.

Then at noon within Domestic Grassroots program a marvellous event, Sport Joys - Regional Sport Event, took place in Gabala Olympic Sports Complex. Various sports competitions were organized in the event held in order to promote Baku 2017 4th Islamic Solidarity Games and to involve young people in sport. Rafael Isgandarov, Joshgun Rahimov and Mushfig Abbasov, Star Ambassadors of Baku 2017 4th Islamic Solidarity Games and famous figures of “Bu Şəhərdə”, were among the guests of the event. The event participants experienced entertaining and colorful moments.

The ceremony was followed with the evening Water Festival at Heydar Aliyev Park. Region residents, who had free access to the event, enjoyed performances of Mirvari dance group, ZopZopu ethnographic dance group and Najmaddin Aliyev, also remarkable water effects and fireworks.

Also the event included video of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev presenting the water vessel filled with the Caspian sea water to Gabala residents at the beginning of the Water Ceremony on April 5.

Gold medalist of World Boxing Championship Javid Chalabiyev talked about special contribution of the remarkable water events to the sports holiday: "It is great honour for us to be a part of the Games with historical importance for Azerbaijan. We express our sincere gratitude to the Organizing Committee for this opportunity."

The next destination point of the Journey from the Caspian which is expected to cover the whole territory of Azerbaijan will be the city of Gusar on April 29. The Journey from the Caspian will cover 15 region, over 3000 km and will last 37 days.