The EOC joined the Azerbaijan NOC in continuing the 10th anniversary celebrations of the historic Baku 2015 European Games at an awards ceremony in the Azerbaijani capital.
The celebration showcased the future of sport through the “Baku 2015 – AI & Sport Innovation Contest”, a continent-wide competition that invited young creators to use Artificial Intelligence to design original graphics or videos reflecting the spirit and legacy of the Games.
Rauf Hamisha of Azerbaijan and Fatih Can Aytan of Türkiye were announced as winners and will receive special three-day trips to Baku, including guided tours of European Games.
In addition, the NOC honoured individuals who contributed significantly to the legacy of Europe’s inaugural multi-sport event.
Awards were presented to Ms Victoria Cabezas, Member of the EOC Executive Committee and Chair of the EOC Digital and Technology Commission, who attended virtually; Mr Volkan Öner, Communications Director of the Turkish NOC; Ms Tunzala Aghayeva, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and Official Ambassador of Baku 2015; and Mr Rasul Chunayev, Olympic bronze medallist and European Games champion.
Mr Mehman Karimov, former Head of International Programs at the Azerbaijan NOC, was instrumental in the creation and launch of the AI & Sport Innovation Contest and was honoured with an award posthumously, having sadly passed away prior to the completion of the project.
In a video message to the ceremony, EOC President Spyros Capralos said: “Baku 2015 marked a historic moment for the European Olympic Movement. The very first European Games came to life thanks to the incredible effort by President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and the Azeri people. Ten years later, the legacy of Baku continues to inspire.”
The ceremony featured cultural performances and speeches celebrating a decade of sporting excellence that set the benchmark for future European Games.
