TODAY.AZ / Sports

Baku 2017 launches “Feel closer” project [PHOTO]

23 February 2017 [13:25] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews


By Laman Ismayilova

Baku 2017 has launched “Feel closer” project in the framework of “Grassroots Programme”.

During this project Athlete Ambassadors of Baku 2017 will visit different universities and meet with students, promoting core principles of the Games – peace, respect, unity and excellence. 

The first meeting was held at Azerbaijan University of Languages on February 20. The main goal of this project is to encourage youth towards healthy lifestyle and at the same time create an opportunity for students to meet with their favorite athletes and by so promoting Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games. 

Even though “Grassroots Programme” is new for the country it creates an amazing opportunity to increase Sport audience and to showcase value of the Games. 

"Sharing the joy of victories and successes and the sadness brought by losses, as well as supporting each other isn't just good sportsmanship, but is also of great value. The main goal of the all-important athlete ambassadors is to bring these values to the society,” said Ulviyya Elekberova,  Baku 2017 Grassroots Program Domestic Relations Manager.

When talking of the importance of the IV Islamic Solidarity Games and the Games' role in his life, Para-Olympic judoka Ilham Zakiye said: “There's a good proverb "Sticks in a bundle can't be broken". It's as if our whole nation is right next to our athletes. The athletes' victory makes them smile and their loss makes them cry. Our nation is always here for us. That's why out of the four messages of the IV Islamic Solidarity Games, I choose the one closest to me -"unity". Islam itself contains a message of unity and peace.”

Boxer Kamran Shahsuvarly mentioned that during the Olympic Games, weapons are put down even in countries in the state of war.

“Sport rewards peacefulness, kindness, friendship and persistence. As a peaceful person, "peace" is the message of the IV Islamic Solidarity Games closest to me,” he added.

The Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games is an exciting multi-sport event uniting the Islamic world, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from May 12 to 22 2017.

Athletes from Islamic countries around the world will be representing their nations over 10 days of competition across 20 different sports which include 24 disciplines (Athletics and Para Athletics, Aquatics – Diving, Aquatics – Swimming, Aquatics – Water Polo, Basketball 3x3, Football, Gymnastics – Artistic, Gymnastics – Rhythmic, Wushu, Table Tennis, Handball, Judo and Blind Judo, Wrestling – Greco, Wrestling – Freestyle, Shooting, Tennis, Volleyball, Boxing, Zurkhaneh, Karate, Taekwondo and Weightlifting) in 16 state-of-the-art competition venues across Baku.
















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