AZAL to support Paralympic sports promotion

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

AZAL, the biggest Azerbaijani airline and national flag carrier, and the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan signed a cooperation agreement.

The deal stipulates transfer of athletes to international sports championships and world cups where AZAL fly, exemption of the sports equipment transportation from additional dues, as well as holding joint activities for promotion of Paralympic sports among population.

Particularly, AZAL will organize athletes’ flights to the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro from September 7 to 18.

Furthermore, prize-winners of the 2016 Paralympic Games will be awarded free tickets valid for a year to any destination of AZAL.

AZAL’s Vice-President Eldar Hajiyev, commenting on the signed deal, said the Paralympic Games are an important and socially significant event in the development of sports in Azerbaijan.

“It is a great honor for us to support our athletes," he added.

Shaig Hamidov, the vice-president of the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan emphasized that the Paralympic Games are one of the most prestigious competitions for athletes with disabilities.

“Selections for these competitions are held not only within national, but also global competitions. The support of Azerbaijan Airlines will make a great contribution to the development of Paralympic sports in our country,” he noted.

The Paralympic Games is international sports competition for people with disabilities. Traditionally, it takes place after the Olympic Games. Summer Paralympic games are held since 1960, while winter Paralympic games - since 1976.

The National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan established in 1996, is expanding within the country, bringing together hundreds of athletes. The Committee is developing 12 of the 19 Paralympic sports. By the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, two sports will also be added to them.