'High Five' to welcome fans at the EHF EURO 2016

It is more than four months ago that the mascot for the Men's EHF EURO 2016, the golden hand, made its first public appearance on the final weekend of the Women's EHF EURO 2014.

Since then it remained happy - as indicated by its huge smile - but nameless.

Finally on Sunday (26 April) this period came to an end, as a naming competition launched by the local organisers concluded and the winning name was announced on the same day at the Polish Cup finals: High Five.

"High Five is an international gesture often connected with sports, treated as a form of greeting or appreciation. During the teams presentation before the game the players exchange 'high fives' and after the match they do it with their competitors, saying 'thank you' for the game," the jury had argued when it presented its five different suggestions for the mascot's name.

Grabek, Goldłapek, Handbalek and Handboy were the four other names in the mix.

The Men's EHF EURO 2016 will take place from 15 to 31 January 2016 in the cities of Gdansk, Krakow, Katowice and Wroclaw. 'High Five' will continue to appear not only at the final tournament, but also at many promotion activities in the lead-up to the event.

There are four rounds of qualification left to play. Rounds 3 and 4 take place from 29 April to 3 May, Rounds 5 and 6 take place from 10 to 14 June 2015.

The final tournament draw will take place in the Krakow Convention Centre on 19 June 2015.