ROME — 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. — Reuters
