Albert was suggested by Robert Ashcroft from Long Eaton in Derbyshire after the British public were invited to ‘name the ball’.
Mr Ashcroft submitted his suggestion of The Albert because of the link to cockney rhyming slang – with ‘Albert Hall’, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, meaning ‘Ball’.
In fact, the name Albert proved to be a very popular entry with over 10 variations of the name – including Alberthall, Albertball, The Albert, Albert and Alberthallball.
Aside from the ‘Albert Hall’ link plenty of other iconic London phrases and places make the name Albert even more fitting - Uncle Albert from Only Fools and Horses, Albert Square from EastEnders, Albert Bridge over the River Thames and the Albert Docks found in Newham, one of the Host Boroughs for the London 2012 Games.
The competition popular amongst the public - with over 12,000 unique names submitted in the ten day period and some of the country’s top sports stars also got in on the action suggesting names; Tom Daley stated a claim for ‘The Stratford Bouncer’ and England’s Ashes hero, Steven Finn suggested ‘The Record Breaker’.
Nick Craggs, adidas UK marketing director said: ‘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’.
Robert Ashcroft from Derbyshire who chose the winning name said: ‘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, CEO of the London Games Organising Committee LOCOG, said: ‘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’.
The design of the Official London 2012 Olympic football will remain under wraps until its launch in Spring 2012.
Published: 25/07/2011
Source: http://www.sportindustry.biz/news/view/10153/london-2012-football-named-%E2%80%98albert%E2%80%99
