Lufthansa named „Official Carrier“ of the International Handball Federation
While the eyes of the world this year were trained on football at the FIFA World Cup in Germany, centre stage next year goes to handball: When Germany is hosting the 2007 Men’s World Championship. Lufthansa has chosen the event to underline its commitment to the world of sport. The airline will be one of the major sponsors of the international competition and has been appointed forthwith „Official Carrier at the World Championship“ and „Official Partner of the German Handball National Team“.
The partnership was sealed in Frankfurt on Wednesday at the signing of an agreement between Lufthansa Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales, Thierry Antinori and the President of the International Handball Federation IHF, Dr. Hassan Moustafa. „We are greatly looking to cooperating with the IHF. Handball, followed by 1.5 million fans, is second only to football as the most popular ball game in Germany and the Handball World Championship is the most attractive international event in next year’s sports calendar, „Thierry Antinori observed. „With our aviation expertise, we will be supporting the German handball team and the IHF all the way to the peak of sporting achievement.“ Dr. Moustafa was „highly delighted to have gained an airline as partner for the first time. We are especially pleased at the prospect of cooperating with one of the biggest and most prestigious international carriers.“
[GADS_NEWS]The Men’s Handball World Championship is being staged in Germany from 19 January to the 4 February 2007. Taking part are 24 teams at twelve venues. The partnership between Lufthansa and the IHF is scheduled to last initially up to the end of the international competition. Should it be successful, the cooperation will eventually be extended.