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Baku to host European Olympic Games in 2015

The Azerbaijani capital was the only candidate city

ROME, December 8 (Itar-Tass) —— The European Olympic Committee (EOC) has adopted the decision to hold European Olympic Games at its 41st U.N. General Assembly in Italy on Saturday, December 8.

The decision was passed by a 38-8 vote with three abstentions.

Baku will host the first European Olympic Games in June 2015. The Azerbaijani capital was the only candidate city.

The exact dates of the Games are not known yet but they are expected to bring together some 7,000 athletes. The programme will include 15 of 28 Olympic sports, plus two non-Olympic ones that have yet to be chosen.

European Olympic Games will be held every four years.

The host city contract was signed shortly afterwards by EOC President Patrick Hickey, EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, the Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov, for the Government of Azerbaijan and the Vice President of the NOC of Azerbaijan, Dr. Chingiz Huseynzada.

As President Hickey said, Baku will be a test, that it is hoped will turn into a long series in years to come.

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