Polish pride as hosts
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Article summary
The PZPN president said hosting the UEFA Under-19 Championship is a "singular distinction".
Article body
Polish Football Association president Michal Listkiewicz says the opportunity for his country to stage the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final round is a "singular distinction" for Poland and its football.
Hope for the future
"Young talents, the hope for the future of football, will be competing in our stadiums for pre-eminence," said Listkiewicz in his welcome message. "We are honoured by this opportunity to organise an event of such importance. We are doing everything we can to justify the confidence of UEFA and to ensure that participants will go home with wonderful memories of Poland."
No accident
The tournament is taking place in the Wielkopolska region. "That the European U19 Championship is being held in Wielkopolska is no accident," said Listkiewicz. "The inhabitants of this part of our country are known for their solidity and excellent organisational skills; I am confident everything will come off without a hitch. Wielkopolska may boast splendid football traditions, but it prides itself most on its magnificent culture and history.
Fair play
"I am sure the matches will be played in an atmosphere of fair play, and that in the not-too-distant future, participants in this tournament will make their senior international debuts for their respective nations," the president concluded.
