1)   Why has it taken so long for Europe to stage its first continental Games?

I think probably it was because everyone was not behind the idea but now things are changing.

2)   What makes Baku the perfect host city to stage the inaugural European Games?

Baku will be good because the people behind it are good and it has the necessary economic and human resources to make the Games a success.

3)   How big do you think your team for Baku 2015 will be and how many sports will you be represented in?

We are planning to have around 70 athletes competing in up to seven sports right now.

4)   How important is it for the success and appeal of the European Games that some sports afford athletes the opportunity to qualify for Olympic Games?

Yes, it is very important because it gives some of the best European athletes a chance to participate.

Andorra's flagbearer at London 2012, shooter Joan Tomas Roca, could be one of up to 70 athletes representing the country at Baku 2015 ©Getty Images



5)   What is the significance of the Games for the European Olympic Movement and how confident are you that they will become sport's flagship event on the continent?

Because Europe was the only continent not to have its own Games I think they will become very important in the future for sure.

6)   How impressed have you been by the facilities to be used for the European Games and the work of Baku 2015 in ensuring their delivery and readiness?

All the facilities to be used for the European Games are impressive and the work of the Baku 2015 Organising Committee has been very good in my opinion.

7)   Are there any sports not represented that you would like to see in the European Games?

With 19 sports on the programme we are satisfied that there is good representation in these Games.

Alvarez has been impressed by facilities already in place in Baku during his visits to the city ©Baku 2015



8)   How symbolic is it that the first ever European Games will take place in a country that has experienced a major re-birth of its own since gaining independence in 1991?

Azerbaijan is a newly independent country and we think and we hope that Baku 2015 will be a big opportunity for this country to become better known to the rest of the world.

9)   How interested do you think the Andorran public will be in the Games?

I think there will be good interest but I guess it will also depend on the level of the athletes too.

10) What are you looking forward to most at Baku 2015?

We hope that everyone involved has an enjoyable experience and wish good luck to our athletes.

Interview by Gary Anderson