Baku 2015 European Games last night projected new mascots Jeyran and Nar on to the iconic Maiden Tower in a spectacular 3D light show.
The duo appeared as part of the conclusion to a dramatic show that amazed the crowds who had gathered to enjoy the event that also showcased the sports of Archery, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling and Fencing.
Jeyran the Gazelle and Nar the Pomegranate were this week announced as ambassadors for the inaugural European Games to represent Azerbaijan’s cultural history and sporting future.
Mr Charlie Wijeratna, Baku 2015 Commercial Director, said: “It was a very special moment for everyone who attended last night to see the mascots appearing on the beautiful Maiden Tower for the first time.
“Over the coming months, Jeyran and Nar will come to symbolise Baku 2015 and I am sure that they will be popular with sports fans of all ages who come to enjoy the European Games.
“We will be hosting more special events to celebrate landmark dates as we continue to count down the days until the Baku 2015 Opening Ceremony, and I am sure that the whole city will join us in celebration for each event.”
Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place from 12 – 28 June 2015.
There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
Eleven of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Those sports include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling and Volleyball.
Baku was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012. The Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) will organise and run the Games in co-operation with the EOC.