STAFF at one of Edinburgh’s busiest bars are preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice to support their dream of Brazil winning the World Cup – by changing their names in honour of their Samba heroes.
Thirteen members of staff at The Three Sisters have agreed to legally change their name by deed poll to a footballer from the Brazilian team if Neymar and co lift the World Cup.
Sharon Norris, or Hulk Norris should the team win, is the sales and events manager at the bar in Edinburgh’s Cowgate and has been responsible for helping the staff choose their possible future names.
She said: “I suppose you can say we’ve gone a bit Brazil nuts over this idea?
“There is always such a fantastic buzz at The Three Sisters during the World Cup but we decided to make things even more interesting this time for the staff.
“As Brazil are hosting the event, we decided we should back themto win the tournament – and if they win we will legally change our names to a member of the football team.
“At first we just mentioned it for a laugh but now we’re 100 per cent serious and are starting to get a bit nervous – especially as Brazil are the hot favourites in their home tournament.
“Surprisingly, it didn’t take as much convincing as I thought but I think if Brazil win, which they have a pretty high chance of, I might not be the favourite manager in the bar.
“I’m scared but let’s be honest, Hulk is a pretty cool name.”
If Brazil win the World Cup, all participating staff will have their names legally changed for a minimum of nine months and will have to change their names on all formal identification such as driving licence and bank details.
Donal Hurrell, general manager at The Three Sisters, added: “I still can’t quite believe we are doing this. We always try to create a lively environment for our customers and staff during the World Cup but I think this is by far the wildest thing we’ve done.
“I think as the games progress we will get even more nervous but change is always good and I know it will create such an exciting atmosphere while watching the matches.
“Who knows, by the 13 July I might go from Donal to Felipe and be part of our own Brazilian squad here in Edinburgh.”
The brave staff have all picked their Brazilian team names and explained their reasons here:
Sharon Norris: Hulk – “Hulk Norris, cousin to Chuck!”
Claire Binnie: Hernanes – “I closed my eyes and pointed – that’s who I got.”
Craig Smalley: Neymar – “He’s the baby of the team, just like me.”
Gavin Ross: Dante – “He’s a tank with an afro and I’m skinny and bald- total opposite to me.”
Donal Hurrell: Felipe – “He’s the head of the team, like me.”
Tom Griffiths: Cesar – “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Karen Lindsay: Gustavo – “I’ve always seen myself as a bit of a Gustavo Dante Junior.”
Jonnie Armitage: Luiz
Daniel Moffat: Oscar
Rachel Valentine: Willian
Esperanza Haro: Alves – “Cause he used to play for Sevilla, my home town.”
Nuala McAllister: Ramires- “It makes me sound Latino.”
Shawn McMaster: Paulinho – “Cause my girlfriend picked for me.”
The World Cup kicks off on Thursday 12 June at 9pm as Brazil prepare to take on Croatia, possibly the first step to The Three Sisters having its own squad of footballers behind the bar.
The Three Sisters is also hosting its own mini Rio to coincide with the opening ceremony featuring the Edinburgh Samba band complete with dancers and drummers. There will also be a Brazilian themed BBQ, cocktail bar and 200” LED screen to watch the matches throughout the World Cup.
For more information about what is happening at The Three Sisters throughout the World Cup, please visit the Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/614173085346097/616859901744082/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity
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Contact: Melissa Clark
Phone: 01315612244
Email: linsay@holyroodpr.co.uk
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