Future of European Games “Assured”, Says EOC President Hickey

European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Patrick Hickey claims the future of the European Games is “assured” after bringing the inaugural games to a close in Baku earlier this week.

The EOC are still seeking hosts for the 2019 Games after the Netherlands, who were awarded the Games in May, pulled out as hosts, but Hickey feels Baku has already built a legacy which will ensure a positive future for the European Games.

Speaking after the event, President Hickey said: “For a little over 30 months, Baku has been the custodian of the European Games. The EOC receives our Games back stronger and more full of potential than we could ever have imagined at this stage.

“One of the great legacies of Baku 2015 will be to have laid the foundations for all future European Games. After the spectacular success of the inaugural edition, the future of this event is assured.”

Hickey also believes that Baku has all the capabilities to host an Olympic Games. The country has recently shown an interest in bidding for the 2024 Olympics.

“They’re [Baku] well capable of hosting an Olympic Games,” he said.

“When one sees the infrastructure that they have built it is obviously with a view to that in the future. I think that will happen.”

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sport and Baku 2015 CEO Azad Rahimov also believes that Baku 2015 will act as a springboard for the country to host major events in the future and is pleased with how Azerbaijan was presented itself through the Games.

“We will have major events in the future. The most important is that this major event was widely covered, interesting and correct information was provided every day,” he said.

“Those loving Azerbaijan and their people get upset because of the completion of the European Games. Sportsmen are leaving our country satisfied. We could do this and present our country to the world. We have proved how much Baku is close to Europe and Europe to Baku.”