UNICEF welcomes young torchbearer ahead of first European Games in Azerbaijan

BAKU, 1 June 2015 - Today, on International Children’s Day in Azerbaijan, Aysun Aliyeva, a young torchbearer nominated by UNICEF, will carry the torch of the Baku 2015 European Games in a ceremony in the country’s northern district capital of Guba. 

17-year-old Aysun is a footballer in Azerbaijan’s under-19 and under-21 year old women’s national teams.

UNICEF and the Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee (BEGOC) have teamed up in a collaboration that seeks to enrich the lives of young people in Azerbaijan. The partnership gives young people a voice on how safe and inclusive sport can benefit their lives, and enhances their role in the development of a social legacy of the Games.

“I am honoured to be nominated by UNICEF and participate in the torch relay,” Aysun said. “Being on the national football team is my biggest achievement so far. Now being a torchbearer, representing all children in Azerbaijan, is a proud moment for me and all of us – all girls and boys playing sport.”

As part of the agreement between UNICEF and Baku 2015, a National Adolescent Consultation on Safe and Inclusive Sport will take place in Baku on 10-11 June. During the consultation, adolescents will have the opportunity to discuss the importance of sport in their lives and highlight the opportunities for children and adolescents which may result from Azerbaijan’s hosting of the European Games and future major sporting events in their country.

“All children have a right to recreation and play. Participation in sport is a critical part of any child’s physical and social development, especially for girls like Aysun. Her participation in the torch relay helps to spotlight the right to safe and inclusive sport for Azerbaijani girls and boys, and the role of sport as a tool to include the most disadvantaged children and adolescents in all aspects of society,” says UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, Andro Shilakadze.

“Aysun was selected because she best embodies the core values of the torch relay, such as participation and commitment, and she has demonstrated an outstanding dedication to sport. She struggled to overcome her family’s lack of acceptance of her playing football, because of her gender. Fortunately she was able to change their perceptions and now they fully embrace her as a highly promising young football player. This shift in attitudes is one of the key reasons which helped her to excel.”

Speaking about Baku 2015’s partnership with UNICEF, Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 said: “Today was a wonderful occasion for both UNICEF and Baku 2015. I would like to congratulate Aysun on her achievements and hope that her example can inspire other young people across Azerbaijan.

“Over the course of the development of the European Games, and through our partnership with UNICEF, we have placed huge importance on making these Games as inclusive as possible. All young people, aged 16 and under, will be able to attend the Games for free, if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Whilst, venues have been developed to accommodate the needs of spectators with disabilities, as a matter of course.

“We are also delighted that many of the venues, such as the Baku Aquatic Centre, will revert to public use after the Games and hope this will provide opportunities for many more young people to use the take up and enjoy playing sport.“

The Journey of the Flame of the Baku 2015 European Games was lit on 26 April in Ateshgah and will be carried through the 61 regions of Azerbaijan. Each community will retain the Flame as a symbol of the Games in each city until it is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony.