The guests of the meeting had an opportunity to view presentations concerning Tournament preparations in most of the areas. The agenda of the meeting covered the issues of public transport, Fan Zone, accommodation, security, medical care, volunteer activities, consular services as well as an information internet portal for fans – the Polish Guide.VIEW THE PHOTOGALLERY FROM THE WORKSHOPS
Representatives of the embassies displayed huge interest in the issue of communication with public services during the Tournament. Thomas Gassler of the Football Supporters Europe assured that a guide for football fans with all necessary contact data would be published in time for the EURO 2012. The materials are going to be prepared in 15 languages and they will be distributed by Fan Embassies as well as available online.
The plans for Poland's biggest Fan Zone were also presented.
'Many countries, even those that will not be playing in Poland, may be interested in getting a chance of promotion in the Fan Zone, for example on the occasion of the game played by a given representation,' Michaela Spaeth of the German Embassy said.
'Prices in the zone should be affordable, otherwise it loses its popularity,' says Thomas Gassler, 'In Austria vendors quickly lowered their prices to encourage people to buy from them, in the Zone".
Rafał Kośmider of PL.2012 presented the possibilities offered by the Polish Guide internet service. The Polish Pass, a product on the portal's offer enabling fans to purchase tickets for international, domestic, or city transport, insurance, book accommodation, and print it all on one sheet of paper attracted particular attention.The topic of public transport stirred most heated discussion, especially the issue of travelling between the airport and the city centre and then between the city centre and the stadium. Representatives of the City Hall assured, among others, that they had ready scenarios for the eventuality of the lack of a railway connection between the airport and the centre.
'You must be very flexible with all plans. Dutch fans can be expected to walk even long distances, in turn English fans expect public transport even on short distances,' Thomas Gassler of the FSE said. 'Fans expect simple, straightforward information. If you want to get to the centre, this is where you must go, if you want to get to the station, take a train,' added Filip, a member of the mobile Czech Fan Embassy.
It is also worth emphasising that the meeting saw participation also from embassies of countries whose national teams will not play in the EURO 2012, including Austria, Belgium, and the USA.
The second day of the workshops was participated in only by the representatives of the Fan Embassies for EURO 2012. An important point on the day's agenda was the visit at the seat of the stationary Fan Embassy located in Krakowskie Przedmieście, in the immediate vicinity of Plac Zamkowy. The embassy's seat also hosted a meeting with representatives of the media.'It is a perfect location! Right by the Old Town, not too far from the Fan Zone and the stadium,' FSE's Thomas Gassler enthused, 'A perfect location to provide fan support services.'
Despite biting cold, the fans did not give up on a visit to the stadium. 'It's beautiful and impressive. I can't wait to see the Russian national team play on these grounds,' we were told by Elena from Russia's Fan Embassy.
The visit to the arena of the EURO 2012 opening ceremony was the final point of the workshops in Warsaw. The crews from Russia and Czech went home. Next week, the workshops will be held in EURO 2012 C Group Host Cities – Poznan and Gdansk. The participants are going to include members of Fan Embassies from Croatia, Spain, Ireland, and Italy.
SOURCE, PHOTO: PL.2012