Baku 2015 to provide full accessibility of venues

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Baku 2015 has announced that all venues for the upcoming European Games will be fully accessible for persons with a disability or impairment.

The inaugural Games will gather in Azerbaijan about 6,000 athletes from 50 countries to compete in 20 sports. A flow of tourists is also expected in the Azerbaijani capital on June 12-28.

Accessibility has been a priority since the very beginning of the development process for the 18 Games venues; from specific drop-off zones to teams specially trained in mobility assistance, Baku 2015 will meet relevant international standards.

“We have made it a top priority to accommodate the needs of our guests with disabilities. It is our belief that the needs of these visitors should simply be an extension of the same courtesies that we offer to all spectators,” said Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015.

“One of the legacies of the European Games is that the planning and development put into increasing accessibility for these Games will continue to benefit the city after Baku 2015, allowing Azerbaijan to meet international standards for the events it will hold in the future, such as the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017,” he added.

Last week, Baku 2015 welcomed Paralympic gold medallist Nick Morris to Baku for a full review of the venues. Morris is an accredited accessibility consultant with the Accessibility Consultants Association.

After consulting for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he became an expert accessibility advisor for the International Paralympic Committee from 2004 – 2012 and numerous Games Organising Committees.

“All spectators, including those people who have a disability or are elderly, are able to come and enjoy the ceremonies and sport of the first European Games in Baku. Accessible transport and venues are being provided that include an accessible park and ride, accessible drop-off, toilets, concessions and merchandise outlets, and accessible seating for you and your companion,” explained Morris.

Dedicated ticketing policy

In the spirit of equal opportunities and access for all, Baku 2015 is providing complimentary tickets for spectators with accessibility needs and their companions for all sporting sessions. Complimentary tickets will be available through Baku 2015 city ticket outlets.

Spectators indicating accessibility needs during their ticket purchase will be allocated an accessible seating area or provided with a wheelchair space.

Tickets for Baku 2015 can be purchased directly from 11 conveniently located ticket outlets around Baku, including Park Bulvar, 28 Mall, and Metro Park Baku, and online atbaku2015.com/tickets.