There are several Eurovision Song Contest fan clubs across Europe, all aiming at promoting the contest and its contestants. Although the contest does not have an official fan club, the Organisation Generale des Amateurs de l'Eurovision is the most popular fan organization. Active OGAE branches can be found in many of the participating and non-participating countries.
Fan clubs
About OGAE
Although the Eurovision Song Contest started in 1956, OGAE has its roots in Finland, where the organization was founded in 1984. All countries that take part or have already taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest can have their own OGAE. Even Italy, which took part in the Eurovision Song Contest for the latest time in 1997, has it's own OGAE club. All other countries around the world are united under OGAE Rest of World, founded in 2004.
Every year, the organisation puts together four non-profit competitions (Song Contest, Second Chance Contest, Video Contest and Home Composed Song Contest).
The purpose is to spread national popular music throughout the world and to exercise co-operation over the OGAE network of clubs, cooperation among the Eurovision Song Contest fans, promotion of the Eurovision Song Contest, and establishment of strong relations with national broadcasting companies.
In 2007, Antonis Karatzikos was elected as new International Coordinator for OGAE. He will serve until 2009. For more information and links, visit the website of OGAE International.
Other fan organizations
Other well-known fan organization is Euro-Music vzw in Belgium.
The above mentioned fanclubs are not officially connected to the European Broadcasting Union, and are private initiatives by passionate Eurovision Song Contest fans.
For the fans
BECOME INVOLVED • There are many ways you can be involved in the Europe's favorite TV-shows. Find out how right away!
LINKS • Explore the world of official and un-official Eurovision Song Contest websites and fan clubs on the internet.
