Szpakowski, Gąssowski, Janowski become Friends

Popular sports commentator Dariusz Szpakowski, actor Robert Janowski and singer Wojciech Gąssowski have been named Poland's newest Friends of UEFA EURO 2012. They were unveiled by UEFA Events SA operations director Martin Kallen and Polish tournament director Adam Olkowicz on the television programme Kawa czy Herbata (Tea or Coffee).

Szpakowski, who originally worked in radio, is the lead commentator for TVP and has worked on nine FIFA World Cup and seven UEFA European Championship finals. "I have been very close to football for years," he told UEFA.com. "As we know, the big tournament will be held in Poland next year. So in my opinion receiving a nomination as a Polish Friend of UEFA EURO 2012 is a huge distinction for anybody in our country, me included.

"It is a real pleasure to be part of such a notable group of Poles who have become Friends of EURO. Particularly so given I am the first journalist to be honoured this way."

Gąssowski, also a songwriter, has long been known as a football fan. "I've been a friend of football for years, but now I have become a Friend of EURO for the biggest football tournament in Europe," he said. "It is a big challenge and responsibility for me."

As well as acting, Janowski has also found fame as host of TV quiz Jaka to Melodia, the Polish version of Name That Tune. "For me this is a reason to be happy and proud," he said.