Athletes from 50 countries to join Islamic Solidarity Games

With over 50 participating countries, from across four continents, the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Azerbaijan to become a part of a major international sporting event, said Azad Rahimov.

The Youth and Sport Minister made the remark at a meeting with members of American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham), supported by PwC Azerbaijan.

Rahimov shared the information about the upcoming grand sporting events such as the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games scheduled for May 12-22 and 2017 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix to take place on central streets of Baku on June 23-25.

He emphasized that the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games will see over 5,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports disciplines, while 16 sporting arenas are ready for hosting the competitions.

The minister also highlighted the Athletes Village, which meets all the international standards, and ready to receive the athletes.

“I am convinced that we will witness a grand sporting event,” Rahimov said. “Azerbaijan, as a country that has held a number of significant international sporting events such as the First European Games and Formula 1 at the highest level, will also demonstrate the top level of professionalism during hosting the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games.”

Finally, he mentioned that Azerbaijan will host the European Trampoline Championships in 2018 as decided by the Executive Committee of the European Union of Gymnastics.

Rahimov also thanked AmCham members and guests, voicing his willingness for the further cooperation with the Chamber.

In turn, AmCham Azerbaijan Executive Director Natavan Mammadova updated the participants about the latest and upcoming events, also announced new Tax & Customs and Travel, Hospitality & Tourism committees’ chairmen.

Olga Grygier, PwC leader in Central and Eastern Europe delivered a speech about the economic situation in Europe and Azerbaijan.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan is a leading private, non-profit business association supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan. Established in 1996, AmCham is composed of over 250 Regular and Associate Member Companies active in every sector of the Azerbaijani economy. AmCham Azerbaijan represents nearly 80 percent of all foreign investment, as well as a significant portion of local investment, in Azerbaijan.