EURO 2016 set to be a 'beautiful party'
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
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"Everything is ready," said FFF president Noël Le Graët at Wednesday's 100 days to EURO press conference. The objective, said sports secretary Thierry Braillard, is "to have a beautiful party".
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Numerous personalities including EURO 2016 SAS president Jacques Lambert and French Football Federation (FFF) president Noël Le Graët gathered at a press conference in Paris to mark 100 days to go until UEFA EURO 2016.
Also in attendance at the Maison de la Radio were the likes of French secretary of state for sports Thierry Braillard and host city ambassadors such as Alain Giresse, Jérémie Janot and Wendie Renard.
"Everything is ready," said Mr Le Graët, who described the tournament's objective as being to "spread happiness through the game". As such, Mr Le Graët provided updates on both the Horizon Bleu and Héritage projects, which are benefiting from significant funding in order to help boost football's grassroots.
Mr Lambert, meanwhile, spoke about the importance of security during the tournament. "I will not hide that it represents our main concern," he said. "We are in charge of this event – the level of risk is what it is – so we are handling it with professionalism and composure."
Mr Lambert stressed "the leading role played by the state". He added: "We will follow their path along with the decisions they take." The event organisers are responsible for security within the competition's official sites and will deploy 900 security agents per match, 30% more than is routine, with around 10,000 mobilised in total.
"Even if the context has evolved, the aim is still the same – to have a beautiful party," said Mr Braillard. Indeed it is an event which remains in high demand, with 16 million requests made for the 2 million tickets already sold. The resale platform opens on 9 March.
Security is one of the three key goals as outlined by the state, along with employment and widespread excitement. The latter will be aided by the request for each of the 24 competing teams to hold at least one open training session. They may, of course, do more. Roll on 10 June.
Each of the team's EURO base camps was also confirmed at the press conference: