Latvia celebrations prove a success
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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Over 10,000 people were involved in events in Latvia on 15 May to mark UEFA Grassroots Day coinciding with the Latvian Cup final between FK Ventspils and SK Liepājas Metalurgs in Riga.
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Latvia enjoyed a three-pronged celebration for UEFA Grassroots Day, with over 10,000 people involved in events overseen by the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) across the country.
The LFF organised all its activities on 15 May to coincide with the Latvian Cup final in Riga. The main focus of festivities were arranged before the game at the Skonto Stadium with table football competitions, open training and a match between local celebrities. Around 2,000 people took part, all having the opportunity to watch the cup final between FK Ventspils and SK Liepājas Metalurgs for free.
UEFA Grassroots Day celebrations were staged in 33 towns and cities around the country and the LFF made a call for Latvia's grassroots community to organise as many football games as possible. In total, 723 registered matches took place on the day, involving not only grassroots players but games between companies, friends and families.
"The main objective was so everyone could take part in the event," said LFF grassroots manager Aivars Vaivods.