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Youth and Sports Minister and Chairman of Baku City Circuit (BCC) Azad Rahimov, met with a group of disabled volunteers working at the 2016 Formula One Grand Prix of Europe on May 23.

During the meeting, which took place at the BCC headquarters, the Minister had a lengthy discussion with a group of disabled youths from the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Youths with Physical Disabilities under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, discussing amongst other things their many achievements, as well as some of the challenges they face.

The Minister stated his great appreciation of the the input of these volunteers and also noted that the opportunities for people with physical disabilities would continue to grow: “This year Baku will be the host of the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe and the World Chess Olympiad. Next year, we will host the Islamic Solidarity Games. As with the first European Games, volunteers play a vital role in delivering these major sporting events. Your support is crucial for us and we are delighted to have you amongst us. I encourage you to continue to take an active part and remain closely engaged in all our future high-profile sporting events.

In addition, we are paying special attention to creating broader opportunities for you. As is well known, there are 41 Olympic sports centres in our country designed to accommodate the needs of people with physical disabilities. We will continue to do our best to expand these opportunities Azerbaijan.”

Ilham Maharramov acted as group leader for the young volunteers participating in the meeting. Maharramov, who is also a founder of the online broadcaster, Arabachi TV, aimed at covering social topics including employment and other concerns for people living with a disability, expressed his gratitude to the Minister, Azad Rahimov, for his support and noted a significant shift in attitudes towards the disabled community in Azerbaijan:

“The first European Games made a great contribution to the integration of physically disabled people into our society. We have provided high level services across different spheres and this sporting event served as a starting point to improve wider attitudes toward persons with disabilities. By engaging in these activities, the participants gained self-confidence, which in turn, motivated other disabled people to participate in subsequent events.

Disability care in Azerbaijan is increasing from year to year. This year, the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe has created broader opportunities for people with physical disabilities. I want to express our deepest appreciation for your support and to ensure that we will do our best to expand our involvement in the upcoming high-profile events.”

BCC received 30 applications from the participants of the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Youths with Physical Disabilities of which 15 applicants went on to be selected as Grand Prix of Europe volunteers while another 2 were employed directly by Baku City Circuit. Volunteers with physical disabilities will work mainly in the ticketing and event information centres during the race week.

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