GAMES-EUROPE/INJURIES European Games organisers improve transport systems following accident

Record ID: 151169

  • Title: GAMES-EUROPE/INJURIES European Games organisers improve transport systems following accident
  • Date: 14th June 2015
  • Summary: AZERI AND EUROPEAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEES FLAGS
  • Embargoed: 29th June 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Azerbaijan
  • Country: Azerbaijan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAATHQYA470G4667D6IVEW2E5BD
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Improved transport systems have been put in place to avoid repeats of an accident which saw an Austrian synchronised swimmer left with spinal injuries after a crash with a shuttle bus in the athletes' village, European Games organisers said on Sunday (June 14).
    Vanessa Sahinovic was one of three 15-year-old swimmers injured as they walked along the pavement on Thursday, a day before the event's opening ceremony.
    Sahinovic was flown back to Vienna on the day of the incident where multiple fractures to her hip and thigh region and a damaged spine were operated on all night.
    Team mate Luna Pajer suffered a broken arm and was also flown home while a third swimmer, Verena Breit, received treatment in Baku before returning to the athletes' village.
    Games organisers confirmed a police investigation had been launched and have since said improved systems had been implemented across the city to avoid a repeat.
    "Yes there have been changes made (to our transport policy). Immediately there was a review of all transportation," Baku 2015 chief operating officer Simon Clegg told reporters.
    "Not only at the athletes village and the media village but at the venues.
    "Where appropriate we have additional water-filled and concrete bollards which were put in place over night.
    "In addition all of the drivers, not just the bus drivers, but also those driving the TX system (an internal taxi shuttle system) have been advised of the situation and instructed to follow the very clear instructions they were given regarding transportation to and from the venues."
    Meanwhile hosts Azerbaijan's seven medals on day one of the European Games was the highest return for any nation and their early triumph is vital for delivering a successful event, Clegg added.
    With a vociferous home crowd roaring them on, the Azeris won three gold medals, one silver and three bronze in an impressive start to the competition.
    The hosts trail only Switzerland, who have also won three golds but more silver medals.
    "Obviously we are naturally delighted with the success of the Azerbaijan team," Clegg said.
    "The success of the host nation early on in the games is a very important component of delivering a successful Games.
    "On the back of a fantastic opening ceremony it's then really important to start the competition well for the host nation and we are delighted with the results the Azeri athletes secured yesterday."
    Critics had suggested the event would struggle to attract interest in the Azeri capital given the absence of many of the continent's high-profile athletes, particularly in swimming and athletics.
    Organisers, however, said they were impressed by attendances on the opening day with 17,044 spectators present during 19 sessions in seven venues across the city.
    The Mountain Bike Velopark was the setting for the European Games' first ever medals and the women's cross-country event, won by Swiss Jolanda Neff, attracted a 98 percent attendance.
    The Baku Sports Hall, venue for table tennis and badminton, attracted a 91 percent attendance and 90 percent at the Baku Aquatics Centre though the volleyball event was sparsely attended despite the hosts' participation.
    Clegg said ticket sales were buoyed following the success of the extravagant opening ceremony which featured an appearance from the American six-time Grammy Award Winner Lady Gaga.
    The inaugural European Games, which began on Friday, runs to June 28.
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