1st European Games approved for Baku in 2015

(AP) The inaugural European Games in Baku in 2015 have been approved.

The European Olympic Committees voted Saturday to create the multi-sport event in June 2015. The capital of Azerbaijan was the sole candidate.

The secret ballot passed with 38 in favor, eight against and three abstaining.

Other continents already have regional competitions, such as the Asian Games and Pan American Games. The biggest obstacle to a European Games has been the fact that two major sports athletics and swimming already have established continental competitions.

It remains unclear if athletics and swimming will participate in 2015.

The event will include 15 of the 28 summer Olympic sports, plus two non-Olympic sports, which have not been selected yet.

The games would be held every four years.