Watch sports, do sports during European Games

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Those tourists, who are waiting to visit Baku to attend the first ever European Games – scheduled for this summer, will not limit themselves to watching the Games. They will also have a chance to engage in several sport activities themselves.

The capital has many attractions, one of which is the capital most priceless gem - the Seaside National Park (Baku Boulevard). It has several sport facilities and is therefore an ideal place for sports enthusiasts.

As part of the European Games, Baku’s districts, are divided into four major clusters one of which is Flag Square - located in the Boulevard. Given the fact that the cluster, which will host some 12 sports events, is located in the city’s heart and has a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea, it is likely this area will become a main attraction for both Baku residents and its guests.

It will be a place where people can not only relax, but feel the whole spirit of the first ever European Games.

Baku Boulevard is a fine example of the material culture of Azerbaijan, while at the same time a special natural complex that forms the historical and modern appearance of the capital.

The old part of the Boulevard, which celebrated 100th anniversary in 2009, begins from Azneft Square. In order to extend the walk towards the beautiful Boulevard, which is also Baku's most popular address for many love couples, the government decided to expand its area. The construction of the new Boulevard ended in 2012.

Now the length of the Baku Boulevard is 8 km. However, in future, the park will be expanded to 16-25 km, thus becoming the largest National Park in the world.

The new part of the Boulevard is most favored by roller skaters. Cyclists and skaters are quite free to do what they like there.

Moreover, you can enjoy a healthy jog along the shores of the Caspian Sea, thus admiring the city’s stunning views and enchanting waves of the blue Caspian Sea.

One of the facilities that will most specifically please bike lovers is the bike path. Operating in a new Boulevard since 2012 the path is located near the Crystal Hall, where the famous song event, the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 was held.

With a photo ID or a driver's license people will be able to rent a bike and ride for fun on a smooth track - 1,8 km long on a total area of 20 hectares.

The first hour of the bike rental is 2 manats ($1,91), and then every additional hour after will cost 1 manat ($0,96) for bikers.

Riders could enjoy cycling on the new Boulevard, from the point of delivery to the Crystal Hall. However, be careful not to go outside the new Boulevard. In this case you will have to pay a fine in the amount of 20 manats ($19,15).

In case of damages made to the bike customer will have to pay a fine of 20 manats. Should the bike be completely destroyed, customers will have to pay 700 manats ($670)

The bike rental is working from 7:00am until 11:00pm.

Another interesting feature of the Boulevard is the 15 free gym apparatus set in a sport square called “Health” in 2014.

Disabled people will also able to take advantage of the facilities as a special track-pad has been set-up in view of accomodating them.

Everyone will be able to enjoy sports activities - except for children under 12.

One more sport area that many locals and tourists can visit without leaving the Boulevard is “BULVAR Club” arena.

For a fee of 15 manats ($14.36) per hour you will be able to enjoy several services including tennis, swimming pool, sauna, fitness, aerobics and aqua aerobics. A large open air tennis court has become a strong favorite among residents.

Baku will host the European Games from June 12 to 28, where during 17 days some 6,000 athletes from 50 countries will bring the country sporting mood.