During the period from 25 till 29 June citizens and guests of Lviv couldn’t realize why and where from a huge number of people appeared, dressed in kits of different clubs and national teams, singing songs and crying slogans, buying decaliters of Ukrainian beer and speaking in different European languages.
But everything is quite simple. They were football fans who came from all corners of Europe in order to take part in the international football fan-festival “Eurofan 2009”, which was organised by NGO Karpaty and supported by “Persha Pryvatna” Brewery for the third consecutive year.
The winners of previous tournaments: Dynamo Kyiv and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. This year the idea was to involve teams from wider possible range of European countries.
Participants of the Eurofan 2009 are supporters of the following clubs: Liverpool, Schalke 04, Atletico Madrid, Rangers, Zenit, Heerenveen, Bohemians, Inter Milan, Chievo, Ostrovia, Rapid Wien, Welsh and Croatian National Teams’ supporters.
Ukraine was represented by FC Karpaty fans and showbiz stars’ team FC Maestro.
The charity activity “European Fans for Lviv Children” was carried out during the tournament and quite a few teams took part in it. Guys donated for poor children sweets, sports equipment, toys and souvenirs.
One of the key Eurofan moments was preparation of volunteers. Meeting, checking-in and escorting of delegations, interpreting and excursions. All these and more other services were provided by students.
Concerning the tournament itself – the spectators could enjoy different football styles. It was interesting, despite the fact that fans played, not professionals. The hard battle was in every match. But it was only on a pitch. After final whistle, as after magician’s words, the opponents became friends, beer was consumpted in large quantities. Local pubs, discos and bars will remember for a long time Spanish hinchas, British fans, Italian tiffosi and representatives of other football armies.
Shortly about winners.
In the match for the third place FC Maestro couldn’t pass “Milan barrier” and lost to Internazionale. In the final battle Rangers triumphed 4:1 over the home team - FC Karpaty. But no team was left without at least small modest prize.
During final party, while drinking “Honey and pepper” – a strong drink from our partmer NEMIROFF – the local and European fans made good friends. We are sure there will be more people abroad, who will start following results of FC Karpaty.
P.S. But everything written above would look like not truth at all if few moments were unwritten.
First of all – THANKS to few sponsors, who supported us. Unfortunately there were such who promised a lot before and during the tournament, but now without any shame avoid any possibility to look in ours eyes. Because of them we are still in debts.
The second “spoil” – few “brave” fans in Lviv. Three days they enjoyed spending time with Eurofan guests, but during final (understanding there’s nobody to punish them, once again – because of promises of our “partner”) they decided to show everybody their right views by dropping down banner “Football against racism in Europe”. Any of Ukrainian media didn’t pay attention to that. In Europe there would be other kind of reaction. We condemn the deed of these men. Such heedless activities of few people might have spoilt all supporters’ image. Eurofan itself was a holiday of football, beer and friendship, but the group of persons tried to convert it into the place of ideological games…
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