Opening of the 23rd Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship

A solemn ceremony to open the 23rd Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship took place at the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Concert Complex in Baku on June 29. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the opening ceremony.

Speech by Mehriban Aliyeva:

Dear Mr President!

Dear ladies and gentlemen!

Dear guests!

I first of all sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the 23rd Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship. I sincerely greet all the athletes and our guests attending this sport holiday. Welcome!

Hosting large international tournaments has become a very good tradition in Azerbaijan. Thanks to the Azerbaijan’s sports achievements in the international arena and the government assistance to development of sports in the country, Azerbaijan has been internationally recognized as a sports country.

We very successfully held the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championship in our capital in 2005. It is remembered as the first world championship held in our country in Olympic sports. The today’s tournament, the 23rd Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship is one of the most important events for us as millions of gymnastics fans are now focused on our country. Strongest gymnasts of Europe are in our capital today. I am sure it will be remembered as very interesting and tense competition.

Last years there is huge interest in Azerbaijan in rhythmic gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics is very popular in our country. Number of youth engaged in this beautiful sport is yearly getting increased. I cordially wish success to the athletes, our young and beautiful girls representing our country in today’s championship.

Realization of this sport holiday is result of hard work of a number of people and organizations. I would like to give special thanks to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his attention and care about development of sports and Olympic movement in the country.

I express deep gratitude to the leadership of the European Union of Gymnastics for reposing confidence in Baku to host such a prestigious tournament.

I thank the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and all who took part and assisted in organizing of the Championship.

At the end, I once again greet the big rhythmic gymnastics family of Europe in ancient Azerbaijan, wish exciting moments to the fans and joy of victory to the participants.

Thank you.