Today a significant event in the history of Azerbaijan and the world of sport took place in Baku. The torch of the first European Games was lit in the ancient sacred temple of fire-worshipers of Ateshgah.
The ceremony took place at the State Historical-Architectural Culture Preserve. It was attended by President Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva, Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of the European Games, members of their family, and the president of the European Olympic Committee, Patrick Hickey, Trend reports.
President Ilham Aliyev and Patrick Hickey delivered speeches at the ceremony.
The torch is made by the company which made similar things for the Olympic torch in Sydney in 2000, in Athens in 2004, as well as for the Asian Games in Doha in 2006.
Famous Azerbaijani athletes will carry the torch of the first European Games in all regions of Azerbaijan, after which it returns to Baku on the 11th of June. Then the flame will be carried the 5000 kilometer route for 47 days, before it ignites the cup at the opening ceremony on the 12th of June. The torch will be touched more than 1000 times and it will be carried across the country by bus, cable car, cycling, boat, air and in the underground of Baku. The height of the torch is 66 inches."
The upper part of the torch is made of copper in the form of a pomegranate, which protects the fire. Fifty seeds are engraved on it, as this is the number of countries which are taking part in the games. The top part is modelled on tongues of fire, the symbol of Azerbaijan, Sebastian Bern says.
