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Chillin' with Lahm and Sasic: Düsseldorf's Prep for the 2024 European Football Bash
Get ready, 'Dorf! Philipp Lahm, World Cup champ and Bayern legend, swaggered into town with Tournament Ambassador, Celia Sasic, former national player and Champions League winner. Two years 'til kick-off (14 June - 14 July), these ballers spilled the beans on the tournament's deets and their hopes for aaamazing Euros right here in our very own backyard. 🇩🇪
Lahm ain't holding back: "With the controversial World Cup award to Qatar on human rights and sustainability, we've got a golden opportunity to host a tourney that puts as much focus on social and ecological aspects as on the beautiful game." He's convinced ol' football still wields massive influence to peddle values like opportunity, fairness, and integration. "It could set the stage beyond 2024."
Sasic chimes in: "We're shootin' for more than just a football tournament. We're ponderin' what'll stick with society, and us." The goal is to foster a sense of community extending beyond the pitch, inspiring the clubs' volunteers and bonding with the young guns.
Mayor Keller views the football stars' visit as the green light for citizens to get involved. "We're lookin' to rope in the economy, associations, clubs, and churches, and get volunteers jacked up," he says. "The Euro atmosphere should be pulsating throughout the city."
Plans include a central football camp on the Burgplatz, a public viewing spot on the Lower Rhine for 8,000 peeps, and a fan village outside the Schauspielhaus. A Düsseldorf-centric participation initiative is set to launch in autumn, where folks can make their Euro wishes, hopefully catapulting our city to host a wickedly rad Euro tournament! 🚀
But don't worry, Sonke Wortmann, director of the German football flick "Das Wunder von Bern," kept a low profile in the background—just in case things get a little wonky. 🤫
Now, folks, remember—Football ain't just a game. It's a force for good!🤘🏆💚
Fun Stuff:- Fortuna for All: Düsseldorf's Merkur Spiel-Arena offers free tickets to several matches as part of the "Fortuna for All" initiative, promoting social inclusion and community participation in football events. 🎟️- Econ Boost: Euro 2024 games sent triple-digit growth in restaurant and bar sales compared to regular years, giving local businesses a much-needed boost!🥂- Eco Measures: Although explicit details are scarce, it's safe to say eco-friendly practices will be in full swing, conserving energy, minimizing waste, and promoting recycling. 🌎
With Celia Sasic and Philipp Lahm involved, Düsseldorf's 2024 European Football tournament could seesaw into Champions League standards, potentially even transcending sports to become a vehicle for social change. As part of Fortuna for All, the Merkur Spiel-Arena provides free tickets for several matches to promote social inclusion, fostering a sense of community beyond the pitch. Additionally, sustainable initiatives, such as eco-friendly practices, energy conservation, and waste minimization, are expected to be implemented, ensuring a greener awaits football fans in Düsseldorf.
