ZURICH: FIFA has begun promoting the upcoming Under-20 World Cup to take in Poland by launching national bison ‘Grzywek’ on Saturday as its official mascot.
The mascot’s distinctive name comes from the Polish word for “mane, the long and coarse hair that adorns the neck of this striking animal – and also symbolises Poland’s pride at hosting its first-ever FIFA competition.
Grzywek made his first live appearance on Sunday’s tournament draw in Gdynia and will do in all the host cities during the competition, which will run from 23 May to 15 June.
FIFA chief commercial officer Philippe Le Floc’h commented: “Grzywek represents determination but also fun and enjoyment, all core values of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Official Mascot will be a great ambassador for FIFA’s biggest youth tournament and will help build the excitement before the big kick off on 23 May.”
The FIFA U-20 World Cup will set the stage for the world’s best young players to strut their stuff in the host cities of Bielsko-Biała, Bydgoszcz, Gdynia, Lodz, Lublin and Tychy.
Poland 2019 has been marketed as a popular, accessible and family friendly event, with ticket prices starting as low as PLN 10 ($2.62).
