SPORTS
London Evening Standard: Simon Clegg hopes to 'make sporting history' with first European Games in Azerbaijan
Baku, May 9, AZERTAC
The London Evening Standard daily newspaper has published an article headlined “Ex-Olympics chief Simon Clegg hopes to 'make sporting history' with first European Games in Azerbaijan” by Ian Walker.
The article says: “This is the first time this event has ever been held, we are pretty much putting it together in just 30 months when most countries have years to prepare,” said Simon Clegg.
“But we have put together a great team, this is one of the most glamorous capital cities in the world and we have adapted to the local environment and are committed to making it work.”
More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over the 17 days in 16 Olympic and four non-Olympic events. Twelve will offer qualification opportunities for next year’s Olympiad in Rio.
British stars expected to take part will include boxer Nicola Adams, table tennis player Kelly Sibley and Taekwondo’s Jade Jones. Katie Taylor, the Irish boxer, will also be competing.
“We are making sporting history in Europe,” Mr Clegg adds. “It is a huge privilege to be in that position. I feel it is very much part of the expertise of London being passed on.”
“Sport can be a great catalyst for change. There will be global coverage of the country which we believe will show how far it has come and will spotlight the friendliness of the people of Azerbaijan. I believe we are in a position to leave them a genuine legacy.”
Mr Clegg took over as chief operating officer of the Games last April. He had been working on the project part time for eight months before that.”