Goodwill project kicks off

Hyundai, an official partner of UEFA EURO 2004™, has launched its Goodwill Ball Road Show in Lisbon on the eve of the EURO 2004™ final tournament draw.

National tours
The launch took place in front of the Pavilhão Atlantico, the site of the draw, with the one "all nations" ball on display alongside 16 giant balls measuring four metres in height to represent each of the qualified nations. Each ball will be sent to its country for a nationwide road show and will visit popular local venues, giving people the opportunity to show their personal support for their national team by signing the ball.

Significant signatures
The first signing ceremony marked the launch of the Goodwill Ball project, and the first signatories included UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner, UEFA Director of Professional Football and Marketing Lars-Christer Olsson and UEFA Treasurer Drs Matthieu Sprengers, together with Dr Gilberto Madaíl, who is both the chairman of Euro 2004, S.A. and president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Hyundai ambassador Johan Cruyff and Hyundai Motor Europe president Ken Um also signed the ball.

'Messages of support'
Cruyff, the former AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona and Netherlands star, said: "I know how important fans are to teams and their players. The Hyundai Goodwill Ball Road Show is a nice way for football supporters around the world to send their messages of support to their national team."

Final presentation
After all the Goodwill Ball Road Shows are completed in the 16 competing countries, the balls will be sent back to Portugal for a final presentation ceremony. Two balls will then be displayed at each venue throughout the tournament.