European Games at Olympic level

The First European Games finished in Baku, the stars of which became the  Russian athletes, who secured first place in the medal standings well before the end of the tournament. However, probably such resounding victories of the athletes would not have been possible without the excellent organization of the Games, about which athletes and officials talked.

The Russian Federation Presidential aide, Vice-President of the Olympic Committee of Russia, Igor Levitin, said that he came to look at the preparations for the Games even before they started, when the sports facilities had not even been completed. "We were interested in the issue of placing the team and  logistics for a delivery of the athletes to the competition venue and back. We closely cooperated with the organizing committee, which, in my opinion, worked very seriously and professionally. Incidentally, there were also representatives of Russia, including volunteers. The experts who were engaged in the organization of the Olympic Games in Sochi were invited to Baku as well," Levitin said.

According to him, even at that time the Russian delegation liked the Olympic village, all the conditions were created for the athletes, and now it became clear that "The European Games were held at the level of the real Olympic Games  whether in terms of organization or logistics. The opening and closing ceremonies were also held at a very serious level."

Levitin seemed interested in the idea of the "House of Fans." "Famous athletes of Azerbaijan came and met with our sporting veterans. These people have not seen each other for a long time, so the meetings were very touching."

The Presidential aide said that Putin also praised the organization and staging of the Games, telling about this during his meeting with the President of Azerbaijan.