Azad Rahimov on Costs of European Games

The construction of sports facilities for the European Games in Baku in June 2015 has cost about 1 billion manat. Reporters were told by the Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov, while in Turkey, on April 3.

According to him, the budget of the European Games consists of three parts: the cost of the Games themselves, the cost of the construction of the sports facilities and the cost of improving the infrastructure of the city.

The operating expenses amounted to 960 million 150 thousand manat. At the same time, the operating expenses amounted to 959 million manat, plus 1 million 154 thousand from the reserve fund, the minister said. According to him, about 60% of the budget has already been spent.

"The Olympic football stadium cost 500 million manat, the palace of water sports - more than 200 million, the shooting center – 110 million, the Heydar Aliyev Sports Complex and Arena Boulevard - about 50 million, and the European Park - less than 100 million manat," the minister said.

Concerning the costs, Rahimov did not say how much Azerbaijan will pay for the arrival and stay in Baku of all the national teams, as the Azerbaijani authorities stated. He did not explain for what the government decided to undertake this multi-million dollar expenditure during the economic crisis, falling oil prices and so on.

The European Games will be held in 20 sports in Baku from 12 to 28 June 2015 with the participation of 6,000 athletes from 50 countries. The competitions will be held at 21 stadiums and facilities in Baku and Mingechevir. The Olympic Village is designed for 7,300 people.  -02D-