2012 ‘THE YEAR OF SPORTS’ IN AZERBAIJAN

02 February 2012

Baku, February 2nd - the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev , who is also president of the NOC, recently announced at a press conference at the Ministry of Youth and Sports that 2012 is to be declared 'Year of Sports'.

The initiative aims to enhance the presence of the Olympic Movement throughout Azerbaijan, give a boost to Azeri athletes preparing for London 2012, and also aims to ensure that all young citizens regularly take part in sport, promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout the country.

First vice-president of the National Olympic Committee, Chingiz Huseynzade, spoke about the considerable developments in sport throughout the country, the success of Azeri athletes in international competitions and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the National Olympic Committee.

The Azeri Year of Sport is part of the Ministry of Youth and Sport's action plan, which also includes the development of additional sports complexes around the country. Of the 33 Olympic sports complexes that have been commissioned in all major towns and cities, 10 are scheduled to be ready by 2012-2013.