Hankook surprises children with Europa league final tickets

Hankook – as part of its long-standing partnership with UEFA and this year’s UEFA Europa League Final in Gdańsk, Poland – enabled children selected by two non-profits to attend the final. Both chosen non-profit organisations are involved in football-related activities for children. Amp Futbol Polska supports children with amputations and physical disabilities who want to play football, while Fair Play Program aims to empower girls and women in football in Poland. Not only were the children able to watch the final between Villareal CF and Manchester United live, but they also received exclusive backpacks made from the original centre circle banner tarpaulin, filled with goodies to enjoy after the game. They were also allowed to take photos with Polish goalkeeping legend Jerzy Dudek, and the original UEFA Europa League Trophy before the match.

After a long-awaited return, enthusiastic football fans have recently been welcomed into stadiums including being able to watch this year’s UEFA Europa League final live in Gdańsk under strict hygiene conditions. As an official partner of the UEFA Europa League, the company normally offers children from all over Europe the unique opportunity to take on a role as centre circle carrier before the round of 16, quarter and semi-finals before watching the matches live in the stadium. As most of the UEFA Europa League 2020/21 matches had to take place behind closed doors due to the pandemic, this was not possible. However, in order to create a unique experience for the young fans, Hankook had backpacks made from the current centre circle banner tarp and donated them, filled with various gifts and a total of 60 tickets for the final, to Amp Futbol Polska and Fair Play Program.

“The passion and emotion involved in football connect us all together and reflects Hankook’s motto “Driving Emotion”, says Sanghoon Lee, President of Hankook Tire Europe. “Especially in these pandemic times, social commitment is more important than ever. Our partnership with the UEFA Europa League allows us to safely provide a unique sporting experience for children despite the current circumstances and restrictions.”