Ilham Aliyev reviewed the Shaki Olympic Sports Center after reconstruction

President Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the Shaki Olympic Sports Center after reconstruction.

The head of state reviewed the stands reflecting the condition of the center before and after the reconstruction.

It was indicated that the Sports Centre, one of the biggest Olympic facilities in the region, had been opened with the participation of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in November 2002. The Center has hosted numerous sports events, training sessions, public and social activities. In recent years the area of the Center has slightly expanded. As a result of the reconstruction, it has been brought into line with modern standards.

A coordinated activity of all sports institutions of the country is a key precondition of success. The attention of Azerbaijan's First Lady Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva to sportsmen deserves special mention. The fruitful activities of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva as President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation has led the country to major successes in this field. Azerbaijan has entered the world sports as one of its recognized centers, and the caring attitude to the sport in Azerbaijan is at the heart of these achievements.

President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the volleyball court and a swimming pool and examined the conference room on the second floor.

It was noted that the reconstruction of the Center had commenced in 2008. The Center, covering an area of ,8000 square meters, has a 2,200-square-meter gym. The smaller gym covers an area of 1,800 square meters. In the future the Center can host both major international and local competitions. The Olympic Center, fully equipped with sports and health infrastructure, has a swimming pool and a SPA-center each covering an area of 800 square meters, a fitness center of 240 square meters and the necessary sports equipment.

As a result of the reconstruction, a water park area of 1,400 square meters has been created. The Center has various entertainment facilities and will operate a restaurant and bowling. The Shaki Olympic Sports Center has a conference room, an Internet club and a hotel sector covering an area of 1,500 square meters. There is an 8,000-square-meter football pitch here as well. The 27 available cottages have all the conditions for the recreation of athletes. The hotel and the cottages will house the athletes coming to Shaki to participate in various competitions. The Center is also well suited for children to do sports. There is an entertainment center for children covering an area of 380 square meters here.

The conditions available at the Center show again that while experiencing a rapid economic development, Azerbaijan has set the goal of earning recognition as a sports center. The steps being taken towards achieving this goal are bearing fruit.

The head of state also reviewed the rooms for sportsmen and foreign guests, cottages and the children’s entertainment center.

It was noted that the Karvan restaurant would be providing exceptional service.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the reconstruction.