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Euro 2008 bid gains momentum
24/04/2002
The logo for the Scotland/Ireland Euro 2008 Bid, inspired by the design of 8-year-old Robbie Hutt from Inverness, was simultaneously unveiled today in Edinburgh and Dublin.
The launch was made by Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell and Scotland manager Berti Vogts in Edinburgh, and by Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Irish football hero Pat Bonner in Dublin.
It took place ahead of Mr McConnell and the Scottish and Irish Sports Ministers flying out to Sweden to offer top-level political support to the bid team at the UEFA Congress in Stockholm where all bidders will be represented.
The Bid also received a major boost today with the announcement of the first of a number of high-profile corporations offering their support. Noble Grossart, Lloyds TSB, Diageo, Sun Microsystems and BAA Scottish Airports have publicly voiced their backing of the bid adding corporate support to that of the fans and general public in Scotland and Ireland.
Speaking at the Edinburgh launch of the logo Jack McConnell said:
"The support offered by these major corporations gives further strength to the key messages of the Scotland/Ireland bid, namely that it will be commercially successful, that Scotland and Ireland offer some of the finest hospitality in the World and that the joint bid is fully supported by the Government's in Scotland and Ireland. Companies like this do not offer their support lightly, they only back winners."
The dynamic logo was inspired by the design of 8-year-old Robbie Hutt from Inverness, who attends the Gaelic Unit of the Central Primary School in Inverness. Robbie was the winner of a competition in Scotland and Ireland to design a logo that reflected the strength and unity of the joint Scotland/Ireland Euro 2008 Bid.
Irish Premier Bertie Ahern launched the logo at an event in Dublin. Both he and Jack McConnell have approved the logo and are united in their praise of the design. Mr Ahern commented:
"It is very gratifying that young people became involved in the design of the logo, which reflects the unity and dynamism of our joint bid. I congratulate all who participated and in particular, Robbie Hutt, whose design we are delighted to adopt as our logo.
The Irish Government is fully supportive of the joint bid. Our Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr. James McDaid will be travelling to Stockholm with the First Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell and Scotland's Minister for Sport, Mike Watson, to reinforce our commitment to the UEFA Executive Committee, currently holding their Annual Congress in Stockholm."
Robbie Hutt, a keen footballer whose favourite player is the Celtic striker Henrik Larsson was thrilled when he was told his design was to be used. He said:
" I really like football and I am glad that my picture is going to be used to try to get Euro 2008 to Scotland and Ireland. It would be really great if Euro 2008 was played in Scotland and I would be able to see all those brilliant footballers playing here."
Scotland manager, Berti Vogts added
"I have played and been a manager at the highest levels in the European Championships and know what an important tournament it is. I am delighted to fully back the Scotland and Ireland Bid for Euro 2008 as I know with our fantastic fans and the grounds we can offer, the Bid will be extremely strong. Awarding the tournament to Scotland and Ireland will provide a great target and incentive for young players developing in the game."