Minister Azad Rahimov: All the efforts which were made over the last two years have yielded good results

Baku, June 13, AZERTAC Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport and chief executive officer of BEGOC Azad Rahimov has hailed the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural European Games in Baku. Speaking at a press conference, he said: “All the efforts which were made over the last two years have yielded good results. There has been a very positive impression in general and we are very glad.” “I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked with us in this large team.” "Dimitris Papaioannou (the creative director of the opening ceremony, who also directed the opening ceremony at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games) got thoroughly acquainted with local culture. He has fallen in love with our culture and our music, which is understandable," said Mr Rahimov. BEGOC's chief operating officer Simon Clegg said: “Yesterday's ceremony was an amazing occasion. Our intention was to make all Azeris proud. My driver this morning told me that he and his family were moved to tears." Catherine Ugwu, Director of Ceremonies, said: “It was a great responsibility and a great honour to represent the culture of this country." "There was a team of 350 production people and more than 2,000 volunteer cast members from 40 countries across Europe, including a great number of locals." "This was my 12th ceremony and last night was as near to perfect as I have ever got, so I was very pleased about that."