What is the purpose of those children coming out and holding hands with..

[rowenj]

What is the purpose of those children coming out and holding hands with two teams at the beginning the european championship games.
Are they even the same nationality of the teams they are with?

[bluebirdino]

they are Mcdonalds sponsored mascots . i imagine they are local kids.

[echokilo]

Here is the story of one of those very children: http://www.thisishull...933-detail/story.html

[echokilo]

So no purpose as such - just the thrill of a lifetime I would imagine!

[jomifl]

Somebody pays a lot of money so that it can happen.

[Hopkirk]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNgD0Gft3cE&feature=related

[EvianBaby]

My nephew was a mascot for an England v All Blacks rugby match last year. You won't find a happier kid than one who gets to run out into a packed stadium holding the hand of their hero. We're still made to watch the video of it.

[echokilo]

I am with you EvianBaby ..... it must be the opportunity of a lifetime for them ....... I know a few friend's children who have done it - and they will never forget the experience.

[Jules001]

My son won a competition to lead out England at Wembley when they played Mexico quite a few years ago now, but he is still very proud of it even though he is now 24, so even though there may not be much point, it really does mean a lot to the kids involved.

[EvianBaby]

Yep, the ones who get to do it are very lucky. I'm sure it will be one of his happiest memories for years and years.

[cathfromsaron]

nice though x

[campbellking]

I did once hear an interview with one of the children chosen for an England game, and came out with Michael Owen, and was asked what the player had said to him. Answer came back 'nothing'. I don't think this child was particularly impressed.

[boxtops]

There's no purpose, other than making the children happy. People pay a lot for the opportunity for their child to be a mascot for the day.

[Canary42]

It gets kids brainwashed into today's ridiculous celebrity cult.

[EvianBaby]

Is that what you really think Canary? I think you're wrong.