By Duncan Mackay at the Fairmont Hotel in Baku

A set of of six commemorative postage stamps has been launched by Baku 2015 ©Baku 2015A first edition of six commemorative postage stamps marking the inaugural European Games, due to take place here next year, were launched today. 


The colourful stamps are unique artistic illustrations featuring six of the Baku 2015 venues, including the new National Stadium that will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as athletics, next year.

Other venues featured include the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Crystal Hall, Heydar Aliyev Arena, Baku Aquatics Centre and the National Gymnastics Arena, all of which will play a part in the Games due to take place between June 12 and 28. 

The stamps have been launched to mark the 43rd European Olympic Committees General Assembly, which is due to start here tomorrow. 

The stamps feature six of the venues to be used by Baku 2015 for the European Games, including the iconic Crystal Hall ©Baku 2015The stamps feature six of the venues to be used by Baku 2015 for the European Games, including the iconic Crystal Hall and the new National Stadium, currently under construction ©Baku 2015

"These beautiful stamps showcase just some of the world-class venues that will host elite sport in Baku next summer," said Iltimas Mammadov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Communication and High Technologies.

"They will become popular all over Azerbaijan as memories of the spectacular summer of sport that will unite Europe in celebration."

Each stamp has the value of 60 qepik, and there will be a second edition released next year featuring illustrations of all 20 sports that will take place at Baku 2015.

A third commemorative book featuring all 26 stamps together will also be released at a future date.

"The stamps are a wider part of collectable items that will be issued to mark the inaugural European Games," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport and chief executive of Baku 2015. 

"I am sure that in years to come they will be remembered not only for their striking images of our spectacular venues but come to symbolise the entire country's support for Baku 2015."

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