On December 26 National Olympic Committee (NOC) summarized the year 2006, sportsmen, coaches and sport specialists were granted awards.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of NOC Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony.

The President was first familiarized with exhibition 'Olympic movement history - antique and contemporary era' at the lobby of the administrative building of NOC. The President was informed the exhibition is meant also for schoolchildren. In winter holidays they will come here and get close familiarization with exhibition, get information on history of Olympic movement, participation of our athletes in summer and winter Olympiads.

President Ilham Aliyev viewed pictures covering all fields of sport, also reflecting sport achievements of country, medals, cups and other prizes won by Olympic champions, books, magazines and newspapers published in the republic on the Olympic world, souvenirs presented to NOC, postal stamps. Photo corners of the exhibition titled 'Sport stars', 'Outstanding figures of sport', 'History of development of boxing in Azerbaijan', 'History of development of wrestling in Azerbaijan', 'Bicycle world', 'Heydar Aliyev and Olympic movement in Azerbaijan' were interesting.

Then, ceremony was held. Audience at the conference hall of NOC Executive Committee welcomed President Ilham Aliyev with applauses.

NOC vice president CHINGIZ HUSEYNZADE opened the ceremony:

Dear Mr President!

Ladies and gentlemen!

As you know NOC Executive Committee held its sitting on December 20, activity of NOC in 2006 was discussed. The report included all works done in 2006 by NOC.

Besides, at the meeting of NOC Executive Committee preparation to Beijing Summer Olympic Games was discussed. Every member of Executive Committee was assigned to cooperate with federations on certain discipline, help them, duties were divided among members of Executive Committee.

Organizational issues were also discussed in the meeting, youth and sport minister Azad Rahimov and deputy youth and sport minister Ismail Ismailov were respectively elected vice president and member of Executive Committee of NOC.

Then, youth and sport minister, NOC vice president AZAD RAHIMOV gave a speech.

Then, President of Azerbaijan, President of NOC Ilham Aliyev was presented by Natig Aliyev, chief of Central Army Sport Club, a special pack as souvenir from the servicemen wrestling world championship held this year in Baku, by Ilgar Rahimov, president of National Paralympic Committee, a certificate of paralymic medal founded for the first time on the 10th jubilee of the committee, a book and a disc on the jubilee, and by Alakbar Mammadov, popular footballer, honor master of sport, a photograph.

NOC Executive Committee member Zarifa Salahova congratulated on behalf of the athletes President Ilham Aliyev on the birthday, wished him long life, health and presented him souvenirs.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the ceremony.

SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV

Dear friends!

Dear ladies and gentlemen!

Dear sportsmen!

First, I express you my gratitude for these beautiful presents. These presents are very precious to me. Because they reflect works done by our sport public. Photos, gifts by National Paralympic Committee, presents by sportsmen, servicemen show once again that sport in Azerbaijan develops very rapidly and multilaterally. All disciplines of sport develop, also sport societies, federations, different bodies, National Olympic Committee, Youth and Sport Ministry have functioned as one team in 2006 too as usual. This is the main factor of successes gained in sport world of Azerbaijan for last years. All respective bodies in Azerbaijan effectively function in association with each other. The major goal is to strengthen sport potential of Azerbaijan, material and technical base and assure successful performance of sportsmen in international contests.

Our meetings are traditional. These meetings are held at the end of every year, issues are discussed. It was noted that report-information was listened at the meeting of NOC Executive Committee. There is no need to get back to this today. Late every year we present awards to the athletes, asses activity of sport figures and summarize the sport year. I can say 2006 was successful from this point of view. Like in all fields in sport also there were many happy moments in Azerbaijan. We first of all were very happy for successful performances of our athletes in international competitions. Winning 287 medals is big success. Considering that this beautiful tradition lives for long years, sport potential of Azerbaijan is strengthened, new young generation grows, juveniles strengthen their possibilities. Those dealing 10 years ago with child sport represent today national teams of Azerbaijan in international competitions. It is very important. Because involvement of the youth in sport strengthens sport potential of every country. We are very glad for growth of interest in sport in Azerbaijan. Interest is not decreasing but increasing. Because it is very honorable to be sportsman in Azerbaijan. Lifting fame of sport, care to athletes and their role in the society inspires the children to do sport. It is very significant factor.

From another side, creation of modern sport infrastructure of course. Development of sport will be impossible without these. I mean when these different factors are united, every country achieves successes in sport and these exist in Azerbaijan.

As I noted all sport organizations serve the one goal. Material and technical base of sport is strengthened. As you State Program on regions socio-economic development is successfully implemented in Azerbaijan. But we all know well that construction of new modern units in regions started from just sport establishments. We initiated this in 2003 and then very modern and nice sport establishments were built in different regions of Azerbaijan. This construction is continued. New sport complexes are under construction in 10 districts and they will meet world standards.

In Mingechevir rowing base works are started and the base will fully be reconstructed in 2007. It will meet the international standards. Construction of sport units is big support to sportsmen and important for growth of young generation. It is from one side. From another side, timely realization of training, lifting professionalism, attitude towards athletes in daily life, strengthening of sport associations - all these factors serve development of sport in Azerbaijan.

Both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines of sport are equal in Azerbaijan. There is no discrimination and this policy has been conducting in Azerbaijan for long. We render the same attention to athletes dealing with both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. It must be so. Because every athlete lifts sport fame of Azerbaijan in every international contest. The sport, specially Olympic movement is approached from new point of view in the world. Countries fight among themselves in Olympic Games. This Olympic movement, Olympic Games maybe is the only wide peace loving format of struggle. Azerbaijan is also very active country in Olympic movement. Our efforts, initiatives and achievements are always mentioned by international and European Olympic committees. Role of Azerbaijan for development of sport in region is also known. Prestigious international contests held in Azerbaijan are sign of attitude of international sport community on our country. It shows once more that we are competent in realization of biggest and most prestigious sport competitions. It of course brings to realization of next sport competitions in Azerbaijan.

For instance, 2007 will be very important from this point of view. World championship in all disciplines of wrestling will be held in Azerbaijan. Also Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship will be realized in Azerbaijan. History of realization of this championship is very interesting. Because before it was planned to hold it in other countries. But because of certain reasons it failed and International Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation requested Azerbaijan to host the championship. It was taken into consideration that world championship was held in highest level in Azerbaijan. For this goal, for holding these 2 championship sin highest level big reconstruction-restoration works are underway at Heydar Aliyev Sport-Concert Complex. As you know, repair works were recently held there. Repair works will now lift this wonderful sport establishment up to highest world standards.

2007 is of great importance regarding preparation for Beijing Summer Olympic Games. It will be decisive year. I am sure our athletes will obtain good results in international competitions in 2007. Then, license tournaments will start probably and we must try to get licenses at most. Summer Olympic Games 2008 will probably be harder. Because competition in the world increases. Big attention is paid to sport in different countries even in countries that have no big sport traditions and sport becomes important factor in public life of countries. We know that competition will be very strong. That is why we must be well prepared in different disciplines. By the end of 2007 we must determine the staff to represent Azerbaijan in Olympic Games. Participation of independent Azerbaijan was very successful in both Sydney and Athens Olympic Games. I believe these beautiful traditions will continue and our sportsmen will represent our country in a worthy manner.

2006 will also be remembered because Azerbaijan showed an initiative that is very new for us and surprising for some: to realize 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Azerbaijan. We surely assessed our possibilities showing this initiative. I think Azerbaijan has all opportunities to hold Olympic Games. The place where 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be held is not known yet and different countries, as well Azerbaijan, have run candidacy. From one side it shows very big attention is really paid in Azerbaijan to sport, Olympic movement, and development of sport and it is not by chance that Azerbaijan is known as sport country in the world. From another hand, it shows power, possibilities, potential of independent Azerbaijan.

To hold Olympic Games is not easy. We are self-confident, we believe in our opportunities taking such initiative. I am confident if Azerbaijan is given this big honor we will hold Olympic Games in highest level.

I remember, 5-6 years ago I was asked a question in one of interviews that Azerbaijan has big successes now, can Azerbaijan host Olympic Games. Speaking frankly I did not answer this question then. Because to me we were not ready to this. But today I am sure we are ready for this. Considering that 2016 will come in 10 years and of course till then it will be possible to hold Olympic Games in Azerbaijan in highest level. Why are we so confident?! Because resources, economic opportunities of our country grow, international positions are strengthened, Azerbaijan is leader state in region and we will have very bright future. We know what expects us. We know our facilities. That is why I instructed to make such an appeal. Considering that Azerbaijan makes this appeal for the first time, maybe we will fail in this. If realization of these games in 2016 will be left to another country, 2020 will come after that. I am sure our initiative and loyalty will result in success.

Multilateral development of Azerbaijan is visible and sport is big part, big factor of the public life. Sport is image, prestige of country and at the same time growth of the youth in patriotic soul, physical health. Physically healthy men are morally healthy. In a word, sport is of big importance for development of every country. In Azerbaijan we know it very well and attitude shown for long years to sport and sportsmen is the best sample of this. Sportsmen must be assured well, provided with good conditions to do sports, their domestic problems must be solved as well. They must not think of domestic problems and devote themselves to sport only, lift their professionalism and always keep flag of native homeland high in international competitions. Every time we seeing successes of reps of Azerbaijan in international contests every patriot, every citizen feels pride. I express my gratitude to all sportsmen, their coaches and sport experts for presenting this happiness to the people.

2007 will be very eminent for me as well. Because I was elected President of National Olympic Committee in 1997 and it will be its 10th anniversary. These 10 years is very big period. I think fame of Azeri sport has been lifted much in these 10 years. All our plans were realized and future plans will be implemented also. Because our history, realization of all promises made lets us say this.

I am always very happy meeting with sportsmen. I see them, take interest in achievements of all athletes. Maybe differed from previous years I cannot have much more time for this. That is why sometimes seeing names not familiar to me in the lists I say who is this, why I do not know it. Because I knew all sportsmen personally and I want to know. I know their resources as well. But seeing new persons in the lists for last years I regret from one side for not having time to meet with them and from another hand I am glad that young generation is growing. So, the youth is getting big successes. So, Azerbaijani sport will live, continue. So, Azeri people will live and develop. Because sportsmen are reps of the nation. They dedicate their potential, in some cases their health to lifting 3-color flag of Azerbaijan in international contests. That is why their trouble must be set high value.

Taking an opportunity, I congratulate all you on coming World Azeris Solidarity Day, New Year and wish you success and health in 2007. Thanks.

***

Then, prizes were awarded to sportsmen, coaches and sport experts playing big role in development of Azeri sport. NOC vice president Chingiz Huseynzade said: Mr President, money awards were presented to the athletes according to the totals of the year. With Your permission, orders to new flats will be presented now. First of all, we have a car as prize. It is given to Shamil Alizamanov, senior coach of boxing youth team.

President Ilham Aliyev presented a key to the car to Shamil Alizamanov.

Then, President of Azerbaijan, President of NOC Ilham Aliyev presented orders to new flats to European judo champion Elnur Mammadli, European taekwondo champion Ilkin Shahbazov, silver medalist of European judo championship Kifayat Gasymova, world and European karate-do champion Gurban Tagiyev, awardee of European boxing championship Javid Tagiyev, member of national boxing team, European champion among youth, bronze medalist of World Cup competition Samir Mammadov, honor coach in wrestling Soltan Kerimov, football veteran Asif Aliyev, coach of national boxing team Asger Eyvazov, sport photoreporter Dilaver Najafova, member of national basketball team Zaur Khasayev, honor coach in gymnastics Elshad Narimanov, silver awardee of world wrestling championship Rovshan Bayramov, coach of national youth judo team Ibadulla Shahbanov, world kick boxing champion Eduard Tagiyev, captain of national handball team Marina Pankatskaya, European chess champion Ilaha Gadimova, vice rector of Azerbaijan Physical Training and Sport Academy Gahraman Mammadyarov, coach in free wrestling Khosrov Jafarov, wrestling coach Javanshir Gurbanov, member of field hockey team Zarifa Zeynalova.

It was informed member of national volleyball team Valeria Korotenko will be presented an order to the flat after she returns from competition abroad.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated participants of the ceremony on the coming holidays, wished them happiness and health.

BAKU. 26.12.2006. AzerTAg.