President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the Shamakhi Olympic Center after reconstruction.

Azerbaijan is known worldwide for its glorious sporting traditions. The development of sport is a priority of the state policy. Modern sports facilities built not only in the capital but also in the regions in recent years are clear evidence of the attention and care of the head of state about the development of sports. The coordinated activity of all sports structures in the country is one of the main contributors to successful results.

It is also worth pointing to the attention of the First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, to athletes. The successful activities of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva as President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation have led to serious achievements in this area. Azerbaijan has become one of the biggest sports centers in the world. It is thanks to this that Azerbaijan will play host to the first European Games in 2015.

The Shamakhi Olympic Center, one of the largest sports facilities in the region, has all the conditions for conducting competitions, training sessions and cultural events.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of a football pitch, a swimming pool and a new gym at the Shamakhi Olympic Center.

The center has a photo stand describing the visits of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to Shamakhi and their attention to the development of sport.

The President was informed that special attention has been paid to the development of various sports in Shamakhi in recent years. The opening of the Olympic Center has further enhanced the interest of young people in sports. It was noted that the construction of new sports facilities and structures at the Shamakhi Olympic Center had begun in February 2010. In accordance with the project, the façades of buildings of 2,500 square meters have been lined with modern materials and glazed. Ventilation and lighting systems of the center have been renewed. Metal roof structures of the swimming pool have been replaced.

The head of state was shown a project of a new Olympic center to be built in the country.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the gyms and other facilities of the center. The conference room is fitted with all the facilities for conducting various activities. The surfaces of playgrounds and seats have been replaced and an additional training hall built. The center will operate a gym, a fitness room and a sauna. A football stadium with a seating capacity of 2,000 people has been built in accordance with international standards and new treadmills installed. It will be possible to conduct high-level competitions at the center. Eight cottages meeting modern requirements have also been built. To protect the area from mudslides, a concrete drain channel has been constructed. Power, heating and water supply systems have been installed. New communication lines, an automated telephone system and security cameras have been put in place. The center is equipped with the Wi-Fi Internet network. The area around the center has been extensively landscaped and trees planted.

President Ilham Aliyev praised the work done and gave relevant instructions.