Baku 2015 European Games has today celebrated the employment of its 1,000th full-time member of staff.

Ms Aysel Akhundova, from Azerbaijan, was the landmark employee as she joined the Press Operations team as part of the Games Academy Graduate Excellence Programme.

Mr Azad Rahimov, Baku 2015 Chief Executive Officer and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, said: “This is a significant milestone in the continued growth of the Baku 2015 team and I would like to welcome Aysel on board as she joins the journey to the inaugural European Games.

“Our blend of international staff with top-level experience and national staff with excellent local knowledge have combined to create a formidable team.

“I am extremely confident that our whole team’s set of skills and expertise will ensure delivery of a spectacular event that will make all of Azerbaijan and the whole of Europe proud.”

Ms Akhundova, who recently graduated in Law from Baku State University, has work experience for some of Azerbaijan’s previous other major events, including the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and the Eurovision 2012 Song Contest.

Ms Akhundova, 21, said: “I am extremely proud to have joined the Baku 2015 team and I am looking forward to contributing to this exciting adventure towards the first ever European Games.

“For myself and for all of the team, it is a wonderful opportunity to help play a role in this historic event and I am very much looking forward to helping make Baku 2015 become a reality.”

The Baku 2015 team is now represented by 43 countries from around the world, including Azerbaijan, working across 18 directorates to deliver the European Games.

Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “Week by week, the Baku 2015 team continues to grow and I am extremely pleased that we have been able to assemble such a quality team of first-class professionals.

“The vital blend of international staff and local Azerbaijanis has created a dynamic and fun environment that will help us deliver the best possible event for the cream of European sporting talent.”

Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place from 12 - 28 June 2015.