Sweet moment for Poland's first EURO sponsor

Poland's oldest chocolate brand has become the nation's first UEFA EURO 2012 sponsor after E. Wedel signed up at a ceremony held at Warsaw's Legia Stadium on Tuesday.

Wedel is Poland's oldest confectionary brand, with this its 160th year in operation, yet managing director Paweł Szcześniak said that signing up as a UEFA EURO 2012 national sponsor "is an extremely important milestone for us". He added: "UEFA EURO 2012 is the biggest event ever to come to this part of Europe. We are very proud that Poland is co-hosting this prestigious tournament."

As a national sponsor for EURO, Wedel will benefit from a wide range of rights, including brand recognition in official premises and the ability to run ticket promotions for its customers. According to UEFA Events SA CEO David Taylor, they beat off stiff competition for the privilege.

"The interest we have received from many Polish companies to be part of the sponsorship programme shows that these companies wish to be part of an event that will promote Poland and the best of what Poland has to offer," said Mr Taylor.

Mr Szcześniak added: "Wedel will co-create this great event. We will do our best to make sure that the exciting moments of UEFA EURO 2012 bring much joy and long-lasting memories to all football fans."

The UEFA EURO 2012 commercial programme consists of ten sponsors with global rights (eight of whom have been unveiled) as well as four national sponsor spots each for companies in Poland and Ukraine. The national sponsors' rights are limited to the territory of the designated host country.