Azerbaijan’s Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov greeted the guests, wished success to the participants.
“Gymnastics reborn in Azerbaijan after election of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva as the President of AGF in 2002,” the Minister said. “The country’s gymnasts have many achievements gained at the authoritative world contests. Azerbaijan has hosted many such sports festivals thanks to the First Lady of Azerbaijan”.
Other speakers at the event included President of the European Olympic Committee Patrick Hickey, and President of European Union of Gymnastics (UEG) Georges Guelzec.
After the traditional flag presentation and the speeches of the officials, several scenes followed each other, one more amazing than the other one. From prehistory with wall paintings, through poetry, music, film and art - all accompanied with incredible lighting effects and the amazing choreographies presented by the gymnasts, coaches, choreographers and judges of the Azerbaijan national team. The show was rounded of by the theme of modern art and dance with the two choreographers that performed in the front row of the dancers.
The championship brings together more than 200 gymnasts from 33 countries.