Multinational oil and gas company BP has signed up to become an official partner of the 2015 European Games, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
BP will become the official oil and gas partner of the inaugural edition of the multi-sport event.
In addition to promoting Baku 2015 across Azerbaijan, BP will also help to fund the development of aspiring medal hopes for the host nation ahead of next year’s Games.
BP, which currently employs over 3,250 people in Azerbaijan, will also work with the Baku European Games Operation Committee’s (Begoc) Games Academy to help identify and develop professional talent in the country.
Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and chief executive of the Begoc, said: “BP is a company that has a long-standing presence in Azerbaijan and a deep understanding of the country. I am sure its support will help support the Games across Azerbaijan and Europe, and also help develop our athletes further in their pursuit of excellence.”
Ian Sutherland, BP’s regional vice-president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, added: “We believe this presents a unique opportunity for the country as it makes efforts to become a greater centre for sporting excellence. This is also a unique opportunity for hundreds of enthusiastic young Azerbaijani nationals to develop new skills and knowledge adding to the country’s international events delivery capability.”
The news comes after household goods company and International Olympic Committee TOP sponsor Procter & Gamble last month signed up to become the first official partner of the Games and Swiss watchmaker Tissot signed up for the event yesterday (Wednesday), as reported by Sports Sponsorship Insider.