Speech By H. E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, at the final presentation of Turkey's bid to host Euro 2016

"Mr. President, Monsieur Michel Platini,
Distinguished Vice-Presidents and
Members of the Executive Committee,
Distinguished Representatives of France and Italy,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to address you in this splendid atmosphere where the European football family meets.
In a few hours, by selecting the host country for EURO 2016, as the members of the UEFA Executive Committee, you will take a huge step that would, no doubt, shape the future of European football.
Every football fan probably remembers that Turkey achieved amazing and memorable comebacks during Euro 2008, co-hosted here by Switzerland, and Austria.
I believe, on that occasion, we Turks have shown that you can make a big difference with ambition, imagination, commitment and passion.
Now, with the same ambition, imagination, commitment and passion, we are eager to host the European Football Championship in 2016.
Let me also underline that I am particularly pleased by the very positive conclusions of UEFA's latest evaluation report. Its recommendations strongly suggest that Turkey is ready.
This has given us confidence and assurance, and reinforced our strong commitment.
Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee,

You certainly all know, there is a very powerful, lively and deep-rooted football tradition in my country.
And, I think our final presentation so far provided very useful information about our bid.
But let me underline some major dimensions of Turkey's candidacy:
Among the current bidders, Turkey is the only country to not have hosted the European Championship or the World Cup.
As a result, I believe that today you have the opportunity to take an historic decision and to build a new bridge between Europe and a broader geography in which Turkey is located.
Dear Friends,
I strongly believe that European football needs this "first-time" effect.
We have to take for the "first time" the European championship to this part of our continent, into a land that straddles West and East, North and South.
Indeed, Turkey's location will allow all football fans, not only from Europe, but also from Middle East, Central Asia and Caucasus to enjoy and to be an active part of the tournament.
It is in your hands to pave the way for over 300 million young people from this wide region to embrace new role models demonstrating that in sports there is always place for everyone, regardless of wealth, gender, religion, ethnicity or physical ability.
I believe promoting an understanding between different cultures, peoples and countries together to celebrate the common passion of football is our shared mission.
This unity of purpose is at the heart of our bid.
We know that hosting football fans and visitors from every corner of Europe and other continents will be a high honor and a great responsibility.
I would like to reiterate that all institutions of our State and civil society strongly support EURO 2016 and look forward to ensuring that the tournament is a big success in a spirit of fair-play, unity, friendship, solidarity and respect.
Distinguished Guests,
Turkey is ready and strongly committed in order to make this longstanding dream of 72 million Turkish people come true.
On behalf of my entire nation, I sincerely hope that you will elect Turkey as the host country for this football festival.
You can be sure it will be a tournament like never before.
I thank you all. "