European Athletics and the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation’s long-term strategic plan for athletics in the country continues to move forward.
European Athletics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Olympic Committees for the integration of the 2015 European Athletics Team Championships 3rd League into the Baku 2015 European Games.
Speaking ahead of the European Athletics Council meeting in Frankfurt this weekend, President Hansjörg Wirz said, “We are pleased that we now have an agreement that the European Athletics Team Championships 3rd League will be part of the European Games, as Azerbaijan will be competing in this league and it gives a valuable opportunity for their athletes to compete on home soil.”
The European Athletics Team Championships 3rd League is scheduled to take place on 20-21 June 2015.
“We will now work with the relevant parties to ensure the smooth running of this event as well with the Azerbaijan Athletics Federation to finalise the details of the long-term strategy, taking into account our responsibility and duty to govern our sport on the continent and to successfully implement our strategic plan.”
Later in May (30 May to 1 June), Baku will host the European Youth Olympic Trials for athletics ahead of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, and in autumn the Azerbaijan capital will host the European Athletics Convention (9-11 October).
A European Athletics delegation recently visited Azerbaijan for a coordination meeting for the European Youth Olympic Trials. Further discussions in relation to athletics in the country will take place during the period of competition at the end of May.
“The Azerbaijan Athletics Federation and its President Chingiz Husseinzade have been very proactive in working with us to develop a long-term plan for athletics in the country and we believe that together we have found the right path as we move forward,” said President Wirz.
Azerbaijan Athletics Federation President Chingiz Husseinzade said, “We hope that the development of athletics in Azerbaijan will go to a new level with our plan with European Athletics. It is highly important for us to develop athletics in our country considering that it's one of the core sports disciplines.”