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

In my opinion, it is due to the precise timing that will be satisfactory and acceptable for all the participants.

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

After my visit I can truly say that it has excellent infrastructure and that it is ready for organising and hosting such a type of manifestation. 

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

The Macedonian Olympic Committee delegation will consist of approximately 90 persons in 12 sports. 

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?

By having a chance in some sports for the athletes to qualify for the Olympic Games, the importance of this European Games is great, and I believe that in the future the number of qualifying sports should be higher.

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?

In order for the European Games to become a leading sport event in Europe, we need to have the best athletes from all European counties. At this European Games we have competitions in athletics in third league. 

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

It is very impressive - their whole efforts and organisation.

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

Basketball and handball because they are the leading sports in our country.

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?

This kind of sport event is very important for a country that got its independence in 1991. Our country, the Republic of Macedonia, is also a young country. We would like to organise this kind of sport manifestation, but at the moment we lack infrastructure and resources to organise and host events in such a big range.

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

The interest is very satisfactory. The national TV station will be present at the Baku 2015 European Games. 

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

Our athletes will have the opportunity to compete with the athletes from other European countries that are on higher level and measure their strength and abilities.

Interview by Daniel Etchells