Baku holds opening ceremony of FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Baku holds opening ceremony of FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics

The official opening ceremony of the FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics started in Baku. The ceremony was directed by the head coach of the Azerbaijani national team Mariana Vasileva.

The ceremony started with a parade of flags from 17 countries participating in the World Cup Final. Then, the Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Azad Rahimov addressed the participants and spectators of the tournament with a welcoming speech; then the national anthem of the Azerbaijan Republic was played.

The Minister noted that hosting of different international events – Continental and World Championships in Azerbaijan has already become a tradition. "The fact that we were chosen as the host of the First European Games in 2015, the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe and the World Chess Olympiad in 2016, the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017 is a striking example of trust that the international sports community has in Azerbaijan," he stressed.

The minister reminded that since 2003 there have been three World Cup series in Rhythmic Gymnastics, the World Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics in 2005, as well as three European Championships from 2007 up until now held in the country. Today, the republic is hosting its 4th World Cup, he noted, expressing gratitude to the leadership of the International Gymnastics Federation for the confidence that Azerbaijan is capable of hosting such prestigious competitions.

The minister added that Baku already can be considered the sports capital of the world. "We are very pleased that the most famous athletes came to Baku. The gymnasts from 17 countries are taking part in the tournament," Rahimov said, sending sincere wishes from the First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, Mehriban Aliyeva, to the participants and the fans.

The ceremony tells the story of the Little Prince from the famous Antoine de Saint-Exupery's novella, which decides to visit the Earth and finds himself in Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire.

At first, the Little Prince goes to a magical Observatory in Shamakhi, then to Lankaran, where he joins the merry dance of fragrant fruits. In Sheki, he learns about the fine art of carpet weaving.

In the fields of Ivanovka the Little Prince finds a beautiful flower, which tells him about the magical flame. They meet friendly people from Ismayilly who treat the Prince with delicious wine.

In Yanardag, the Prince is so amused by sacred fire, escaping from the earth, that he has an irresistible urge to touch it. An unknown force lifts his up, returning to his home planet. The Little Prince leaves the Earth, but a piece of magic fire stays with him to keep the Prince warm and remind him of Azerbaijan's hospitality and those friends that he found there.

Recall that today the FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics started in Baku. It is attended by 26 athletes and nine teams from 17 countries.

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