Calls for cross-party support in bid for Euro 2016 ‘Fan Zones’
Welsh Conservatives have urged the Welsh Government to join them in pressing for ‘Fan Zones’ to be established throughout Wales during the European Championships this summer.
Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies, has tabled a statement of opinion and is urging AMs from all sides of the chamber to back the call.
The Welsh Conservatives say the Euros are an opportunity to boost sporting participation that cannot be missed. Whilst most supporters will be unable to attend the competition in France, Fan Zones would be a way to get the nation together and inspire the next generation of Gareth Bales and Jess Fishlocks.
Mr Davies said:
“For the first time since 1958 people across Wales will have an opportunity to proudly watch our football team take on the continent’s best. It’s an historic occasion.
“For the vast majority of supporters, however, it won’t be possible to get tickets to the games themselves; but there’s nothing to stop us from putting together fan zones throughout the country so that we can all share the experience together.
“During the Rugby World Cup almost 150,000 people visited the fan zone at Cardiff Arms Park, but I want to see similar zones established throughout Wales so that the whole country can get involved.
“This is a huge opportunity to increase sports participation in Wales, and we must grasp it with both hands.”
Shadow Minister for Sport, Mohammad Asghar, said:
“Not only will it be a huge boost to the players to know that fans back home are following their every move, Euro 2016 is an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Bales, Ingles, Fishlocks and Robson-Kanus.
“We must take advantage of the opportunity the European Championships afford us to boost the economy, and I look forward to working with colleagues in every party to help this initiative progress.”
