Dziennik: Lech Kaczyński goes to Cardiff

The President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, is going to Cardiff to support Poland-Ukraine bid for the right to host EURO 2012.

The President’s chancellery informed that he is going to Cardiff either on 17th April, on the day of the final presentation of the candidates, or a day later, on the date of the announcement of the results.

Regardless of their political colours Polish politicians unanimously admitted this was a good decision, one improving the chances of our bid.

- President’s visit to Cardiff is a very good idea – said Grzegorz Schetyna, one of PO leaders.

- Lech Kaczyński is a great fan of football – admitted senator Maciej Płażyński. He added that although he did not happen to see the president at the stadium of Lechia Gdańsk, which he himself roots for, he was sure, that Kaczyński cares a lot about hosting of EURO 2012 in Poland. – President’s presence underlines the interest our state takes in the event – Płażyński concluded.

In the final presentation of the candidates for hosting of EURO 2012, Leo Beenhakker, the coach of Poland’s national team, will commend the Poland-Ukraine bid. He will be accompanied, amongst others, by Artur Boruc, the goalkeeper of Celtic Glasgow, Irena Szewińska, a star of running track and the head of Polish Light Athletics Association, Andriej Szewczenko, a Chelsea forward, Oleg Błochin, a legend of Dynamo Kiev of 1970s, Siergiej Bubka, a pole vault champion and one or both Kliczko brothers, professional champions of the boxing ring. Michał Listkiewicz and Hryhorij Surkis, heads of national football associations of Poland and Ukraine, will also make speeches during the presentation.

One of the trump cards of Poland and Ukraine is the support for our bid from UEFA sponsors. The 85-million people market of both countries is much more attractive for sponsors than the highly saturated Italian market or much smaller markets of Hungary and Croatia.

Read more in "Dziennik”.

Source: "Lech Kaczyński goes to convince UEFA", Zbigniew Krzyżanowski, "Dziennik", 13th April 2007