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Ukraińska Federacja Piłkarska- 2007-06-19
Przegląd polskiej prasy - 2007-06-19
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- 2007-06-18
EURO 2012: meeting with UEFA
Lech Wałęsa, a former President of the Republic of Poland
An interview with Lech Wałęsa, a former President of the Republic of Poland.
- How do you, Mr. President, assess the chances of Poland and Ukraine to host EURO 2012?
- Very highly. I deeply believe that our countries are facing a historic chance and that we will be the ones to whom UEFA grants the right to host this great, international event. A staff of people has been working very hard for two years to prepare our bid as well as possible. I personally actively support all the efforts made and I would not do that for sure if I were not convinced that this is the right thing to do and if I did not believe in our eventual success.
- Why should EURO 2012 be organised in Poland and Ukraine?
- Because they are a perfect place to host such an event. Our countries are developing fast. We are constructing motorways, ports and airports. There will be no shortage of stadiums and training centres as well. We have jointly over 80 million citizens and this, combined with the fans coming from aboard, shall guarantee high attendance at the matches. Our countries have already done a lot to become hosts of this great football feast. We are states with stable and developing economics. The right time has simply come for us to become prominent on the sports map of Europe.
- What shall EURO 2012 mean for citizens of Poland and Gdansk?
- Hosting such an event is something that we miss in our country. Poles know that EURO 2012 is a chance – stadiums, training centres will be created. This will in turn attract other investments. A single modern stadium can economically revitalize the entire district of a city of any size. Without any doubt this will be also a symbol of recognition of the changes that have taken place in our part of Europe, and which were initiated here, in Gdansk.
Lech Wałęsa, a union activist and politician. The leader of NSZZ "Solidarność" in the years 1981 – 1990. A Laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. The President of the Republic of Poland in the years 1990 – 1995.
*Any rights granted to a third party in respect of the Bid Logo shall automatically terminate upon the termination of Bidder's involvement in the Selection Procedure (Art. 7.1. paragraph d) of the UEFA Bid Regulations) i.e. after 18th June 2007.
