Kinas proving a lucky mascot
Monday, March 31, 2003
Article summary
Kinas, the newly launched UEFA EURO 2004™ mascot, has received an enthusiastic response.
Article body
If first impressions are anything to go by then Kinas, the newly launched UEFA EURO 2004™ mascot, could become one of the faces of the tournament.
Unveiled on Saturday
Kinas was unveiled to the Portuguese and international press on Saturday in a ceremony at the Casa Serralves auditorium in Porto, before kicking off the friendly match between Portugal and Brazil in front of 45,000 spectators who braved the pouring rain.
'Good reaction'
The Kinas concept - he is a young Portuguese boy with special powers - has earned widespread praise. The Portuguese sports and youth secretary, Hermínio Loureiro, said: "It was important that the mascot should be attractive and should dignify the country. I enjoyed seeing the public's reaction in the Antas when the mascot appeared. There was a warm reception and that is good."
Lucky mascot
Portugal's subsequent victory over Brazil, their first against the world champions since the 1966 FIFA World Cup, will raise hopes in Portugal that Kinas might prove a lucky mascot for the EURO 2004™ host country.
