Thousands of citizens officially registered as fans with the new “FanClub Germany – Land of Ideas” on both days in Potsdam. The FanClub aims to encourage as many people as possible around Germany to feel a sense of belonging to “Germany – Land of Ideas” and to actively participate in the initiative. This is a project, in which everyone can get involved via the Internet here and where optimistic and forward-thinking people meet, who are committed to and passionate about their country. Those who answer the introductory question “Why are you a fan of Germany?” can participate in contests and receive the official fan certificate.
“We couldn’t have wished for a better start”, explained Mike de Vries, Chief Executive of FC Deutschland GmbH, which coordinates the initiative and implements the core projects. “We were delighted to see how much interest people have in their country and in the initiative ‘Germany – Land of Ideas’. Above all, the overwhelming enthusiasm for the ‘FanClub’ has taken us by surprise.”
Press Archive
 |
| Minister President Matthias Platzeck and FC Deutschland Chief Executive Mike de Vries seal the partnership between the State of Brandenburg and the initiative. |
2005/10/03
Initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” launched in Potsdam
Minister President Matthias Platzeck seals partnership: The Land Brandenburg successfully participates in the FanClub initiative – and gains a new partner - Wall AG
Potsdam, 3rd October – The initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” was successfully launched on the German Unification Day celebrations in Potsdam.
Potsdam, 3rd October – The initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” was successfully launched on the German Unification Day celebrations in Potsdam.
During the celebrations, the State of Brandenburg was adopted as associate partner of the initiative. Mike de Vries, Chief Executive of FC Deutschland GmbH, which is in charge of coordinating the initiative, handed over the official associate partner plaque and certificate to Minister President Matthias Platzeck during the German Unification Day celebrations. Thus, Brandenburg now officially belongs to the circle of those, who wish, along with the initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas”, to convey a positive image of Germany and to present Germany as an innovative and cosmopolitan country.
“We will do this with joy and confidence” said Minister President Platzeck. He made an appeal to the public: “Our aim is to make people smile. If we can do that, then it doesn’t really matter whether we win the Football World Cup or not.” Brandenburg is the second federal state in Germany after Baden-Württemberg to actively participate in the initiative.
 |
A big rush in Potsdam: several thousand people rush to register with the FanClub |
 |
Fans of “Germany - Land of Ideas” |
With Wall AG, “Germany – Land of Ideas” has gained an additional partner from the German industry. Hans Wall, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, sealed the partnership with Mike de Vries by signing the cooperation agreement between the international supplier of city furniture and the initiative during the festival. The first signs of cooperation are already visible: Wall AG set up computer terminals for the “FanClub” in Potsdam free of charge.
A total of 18 leading German companies are already participating in the Land of Ideas as official partners within the framework of a licensed partner programme. They are supporting the initiative with their own activities, either by making financial contributions or through the supply of goods and services.
A total of 18 leading German companies are already participating in the Land of Ideas as official partners within the framework of a licensed partner programme. They are supporting the initiative with their own activities, either by making financial contributions or through the supply of goods and services.