Ukrainian Friends of EURO list complete

Ukraine completed its Friends of UEFA EURO 2012 recruitment process with the final list of 100 being revealed in Kyiv on Friday.

Among the last of the honorary 100 to be unveiled were strongman Vasyl Virastyuk, swimmer Denis Sylantyev, actor Bogdan Benyuk, television host Katya Osadcha, singers Jamala and Oleg Sobchuk, choreographer Vadym Pysaryev, national basketball federation president Olexandr Volkov, and Ukraine and FC Bayern München midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.

"Ukraine will surprise visitors with smiles, hospitality and good cuisine," said Sobchuk, the front man for Ukrainian rock band S.K.A.Y. The singer added that UEFA EURO 2012 would be a driving force behind the country's infrastructural development and a source of inspiration for Ukraine's artistic and cultural community.

"I am keen to compose a song for UEFA EURO 2012 that will be selected as the tournament anthem," added Jamala. "I want Ukraine to be known far beyond Europe and for our country to welcome as many guests as possible. We are ready to impress them all."

Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) president Grigoriy Surkis, who also attended the 100 Friends of EURO gathering, noted: "During the UEFA Executive Committee meeting on 22 September, the atmosphere was calm for the first time. It was not about us being behind schedule. Instead, the members spoke about things we are working on now and things we need to turn our attention to."

Up to 100 people in both Ukraine and Poland, the UEFA EURO 2012 co-host nations, are enjoying the privilege of being nominated as Friends of EURO. Half of those selected by their respective local organising committees (LOCs) are well-known individuals, while the remaining places go to competition winners ranging from five to 95 years old.