London
A major international tournament just is not complete without an official match ball, and while it is always provided by the official sportswear providers of the event organisers, players and viewers can expect something fresh in terms of design, whether it is a whole new development (e.g. the Adidas balls for FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro tournaments) or a recolouring of a current production (e.g. the Nike balls used in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2011 Copa America).
The Football Tournaments at the 2012 Olympic Games will be no different, and while the science behind the Adidas-produced rubber sphere will probably be shared with the official ball of UEFA Euro 2012, it will be the first Olympic football made by Adidas to receive a fully unique design (rather than just a logo replacement). The German sportswear company are keeping this design under wraps for the time being (until next spring), but have announced the name of the ball following a contest in which over 12,000 people entered with their suggestions.
Following on in the footsteps of the likes of the Tango, Ferenova, Europass, and Jabulani will be… the Adidas Albert. With the tournament being co-hosted by England, Wales, and Scotland, and the focal point of the Games being in the east end of London (England), it was clear to contest winner Robert Ashcroft (from Derby (England)) that the ball should be named after its ‘cockney rhyming slang’ moniker, which is ‘Albert Hall’ (‘ball’).
He said of his winning title: “I can’t believe that my name was chosen for the ball that will have such a big part to play in the biggest sporting event on earth. The name was an obvious choice for me. With London hosting the 2012 Games it made sense to name a ball with the London Cockney rhyming slang heritage.”
Paul Deighton, the CEO of organising committee LOCOG, added: “It’s fantastic that adidas involved the public in the naming of this very special football for this very special tournament which will take place across the UK in 2012.”
Adidas (UK) marketing director Nick Craggs, summarised: “We are delighted that we were able to offer the British public the opportunity to name the London 2012 Olympic football, and to receive so many great names. The London 2012 Games are becoming synonymous with the East End of London and it was important to us that the name reflected this strong heritage – ‘The Albert’ creates mass appeal to the British public as well as creating global intrigue.”
With the name now given for the tournament matchball, will the Adidas Albert play and look as classy as the venue it is named after?
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