Two weeks before the opening ceremony, the question no longer even arises: the 2015 European Games will leave a lasting mark in Baku. A “legacy” which will not be reduced to sports infrastructures alone. The capital of Azerbaijan will also benefit from this first edition of the continental event in another area: accessibility.
The organizers of the European Games (June 12-28, 2015) revealed it at the start of the week: the 18 competition sites of the system will be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. An initiative placed high among the priorities from the start of preparation for the event. “All spectators must benefit from the same services and the same treatment,” summarizes Simon Clegg, head of the organizing committee (BEGOC).
Unlike the Olympic Games, the European Games will not have a Paralympic version. But the organizers of Baku 2015 have spared no effort to raise the standards of the event to the level required for the Olympics. A way to prepare the capital of Azerbaijan for future major international competitions. The Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017, already acquired by Baku, but also a possible Olympic candidacy. Azerbaijan had already applied for the Summer Games in 2016 and 2020. Its sports authorities do not hide their ambition to repeat the experience.
In mid-May, Australian Nick Morris traveled to Baku as an expert on accessibility issues. Paralympic champion in 1996 in Atlanta, the former wheelchair basketball player was regularly asked by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to inspect competition venues around the world. His stay in Baku convinced him of the quality of the event. “All spectators, including the elderly and people with disabilities, will be able to fully enjoy the European Games,” he explained. Everything has been planned for their transport, the facilities are perfectly accessible and all have accessible seats in the stands. »
Better: the organizing committee offers people with reduced mobility free access to the sports competitions of the Baku European Games. An offer also valid for their companion.
