The first European Games in history came to an end in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on Sunday. The closing ceremony took place at the city’s Olympic stadium.
The European Olympic Committee President Patrick Hickey expressed hope that the next Games would carry on the glorious tradition set by the Games in Baku. The upcoming event is slated for 2019.
Above: Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the 1st European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 28.
Above: Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the 1st European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 28.
More than 1,500 people participated in the bright show marking the end of the Games.
Above: Performers during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Above: Performers during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Russia won the first Games, netting 79 gold, 40 silver and 45 bronze medals, 164 in total.
Above: Representatives of Russia during the parade of athletes and members of national delegations at the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
Above: Representatives of Russia during the parade of athletes and members of national delegations at the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
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© AP Photo / Dmitry Lovetsky
Host country Azerbaijan came second with 21 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze medals, 56 altogether.
Above: Athletes enter the stadium for the the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
Above: Athletes enter the stadium for the the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
The UK team took the third place with 47 medals, including 18 gold, 10 silver and 19 bronze ones.
Above: A performer during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Above: A performer during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
It was underscored that the Games’ atmosphere showed “real friendship and kindness.”
Above: Actors perform during the closing ceremony of the 1st European Games in Baku.
Above: Actors perform during the closing ceremony of the 1st European Games in Baku.
The Games lasted from June 12 to June 28.
Athletes representing 50 countries competed in 30 sports.
Above: Performers during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Above: Performers during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Nearly 6,000 sportsmen proved their skills in 253 events.
Above: An entertainer performs during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku on June 28, 2015.
Above: An entertainer performs during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku on June 28, 2015.
Many people say that the closing ceremony outshone even the opening ceremony.
Above: A performer during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
Above: A performer during the closing ceremony of the European Games in Baku.
The opening ceremony reflected on the history and traditions of Azerbaijan. The closing ceremony focused on the country’s modern life.
Above: Actors perform during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku on June 28, 2015.
Above: Actors perform during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku on June 28, 2015.
The ceremony ended with spectacular fireworks.
Above: People watch a fireworks display on an embankment during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
Above: People watch a fireworks display on an embankment during the closing ceremony of the 2015 European Games in Baku.
