Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 10:

With three days to go to the start of Euro 2004, Carlsberg’s activity in Portugal has kicked off in style. Today, the city hosting the opening game, Porto welcomed the Carlsberg Madonna on its voyage from Denmark to Portugal. Crowds were there to wel-come its arrival to harbour and now it is moored in the beautiful setting of Cais de Gaia until this Sunday. On June 12, the Carlsberg Madonna welcomes UEFA President Lennart Johansson to the ship to unveil the Carlsberg Man of the Match Award. Portugal has a glorious seafaring history and to honour this, Carlsberg has embarked on its own Voyage of Discovery from Copenhagen to Portugal with The Carlsberg Madonna, a historic three-mast top-sail schooner which arrived to Porto to coincide with the start of the tournament.

In stunning surroundings in Cais De Gaia, Porto, and at a later date Lisbon, The Madonna will act as a focal point for fans at throughout the Championship as well as hosting numerous Carlsberg events. These include Lennart Johansson launching UEFA’s Carlsberg Man of the Match Award and Captain’s on Deck where three football legends will host Europe’s media.

Football fans are overly excited at the arrival of The Madonna, which marks a new chapter in the history of seafaring Portugal. Always a ntion of bullfights, and glorious sea exploits, Portugal is playing host to The Madonna.