FINA World Championship medals were introduced in Budapest
According to Minister of National Development Miklós Seszták, the organisers are providing everything to ensure that the FINA World Aquatics Championships beginning in Hungary on Friday will be perfect.
At the international event’s press conference on Tuesday, Mr. Seszták, who is also the Chairman of the organising committee, pointed out that Hungary had to prepare to host the competition in record speed after the original host, Mexico, withdrew.
“We will be working until the very last minute, but these are just the finishing touches. We are providing everything to assure a perfect competition, but it is the athletes who will have to perform”, he added. The Minister emphasised that the cost of hosting the World Championships was 46.4 billion forints (EUR 150M), in addition to which permanent development projects were realised in Budapest and at Lake Balaton at a cost of over 84 billion forints (EUR 271M).
According to Mr. Seszták, the World Championships provides an opportunity for Hungary to “show its face”, and everything is given to enable Budapest and Balatonfüred to host the “most beautiful World Championships with the best atmosphere”.
“This is all about solidarity, the talent of Hungarians and keeping promised”, he added, ending his speech with the words: “Go Hungarians, Go Hungary!”.
President of the International Swimming Federation (Fédération Internationale de Natation, FINA) Julio C. Maglione said he was sure that the current World Championships would be the greatest in FINA’s history.
“Hungary is one of the most wonderful countries in the world, and Budapest is magical, as are the people who live here”, he declared, praising his welcome and Hungarian hospitality. “An aquatic sport tops the list of Olympic sports in view of the fact that 49 gold medals will be awarded in swimming at the next Olympic Games”, he added.
President Maglione expressed his particular thanks to FINA Vice president Tamás Gyárfás, stressing that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán “is still working to ensure the wide success of the Hungarian World Championships”.
Executive Director of FINA Cornel Marculescu spoke about the favourable economic effects of the World Aquatics Championships, including television ratings, explaining that for instance the 2013 championships in Barcelona was watched by 4.5 billion people, while the 2015 event in Kazan, Russia was watched on television by 6.7 billion people. FINA is also expecting “very high television ratings” from the Hungarian World Championships, he added.
Government Commissioner for major development projects in Budapest Balázs Fürjes stressed that everything would be ready in time for the opening ceremony of one of the world’s most important sports events, listing more water surfaces, cycling paths and green areas as some of the positive benefits of hosting the World Championships.
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“The new facilities have not been constructed primarily for the World Championships, in view of the fact that after the event they will be used by athletes and the general public”, he said, thanking the people of Budapest for their patience and understanding with regard to the unavoidable inconveniences that go hand in hand with preparations for an event of this calibre.
The final speaker at the press conference, FINA Vice president, Vice President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee and former President of the Hungarian Swimming Association Tamás Gyárfás simply said: “Thank you to everyone”, adding that he hopes the performances and results speak for themselves.
At the close of the media event, the World Championship medals were introduced, designed by Hungarian artist László Ördögh, the first two of which, a gold medal each, were presented to Julio C. Maglione and Cornel Marculescu by Minister of National Development Miklós Seszták.
Photo: MTI, kormany.hu
Opposition DK questions decision to deploy army during FINA championships
The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) has said it opposes the government’s decision to deploy soldiers to secure sites at the FINA World Aquatics Championships this month.
The party’s deputy leader, Ágnes Vadai, in a statement on Tuesday referred to the decree published in the official government gazette relating to security provision for the championships between July 13 and July 30
“If Hungarian soldiers are tasked with carrying out such duties, then what are the police and counter terrorism force for?” Vadai said.
She said it was unusual and “not at all typical in a democracy” to assign the armed forces to protect sporting events.
“The Hungarian army suffers a staff shortage and is overburdened; soon it won’t be able to perform its basic duties,” Vadai said, adding that this would endanger Hungary’s security.
Photo: MTI
László Cseh: „The point for me is to enjoy swimming”
Come what may, one of the greatest icons at the 17th FINA World Championships will definitely be László Cseh. He has a huge career behind him and now at the age of 32 he has the opportunity to jump in the water in front of home crowd at his eighth World Championships. He has experienced at three European Championships hosted by Hungary what energy level and drive the home crowd can bring, as a matter of fact thanks to his qualities he was able to do his very best and make best use of his energy in front of foreign audiences as well. It is also demonstrated by his tally of 12 medals from World Champs. In Budapest he will enter 50, 100 and 200m butterfly. The last but one period of preparation was finished last weekend, he will spend the last 2 weeks preparing in Törökbálint.
EIGHTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – HOSTED BY HUNGARY FOR THE FIRST TIME
László Cseh is the only male swimmer to have claimed medals at seven consecutive World Championships. In 2003 he clinched silver in 400m medley in Barcelona, this was the first medal wile the most recent is from Kazan, he finished second in 100m butterfly. He has collected a total of 2 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals at World Championships so far.
Hungary is about to host the World Championships for the first time in its history, however several European Championships have been staged here therefore László Cseh knows what it feels like racing at an international tournament in front of home crowd. In 2006 he collected 2 gold and 1 silver in Budapest, in 2010 he won 2 gold medals here while in 2012 he clinched 3 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in Debrecen.
He may continue to grow his amazing medal tally in Duna Arena.
We have very little time left until the World Championships, yet swimming events will begin somewhat later, in the second week of the World Champs. Last week you were preparing here in Duna Arena. Was it easier, calmer, more intense to map and test the venue this time compared to Budapest Cup at the beginning of June?
Training in Duna Arena is very pleasant, both pools are excellent, this was my conclusion back in June already. The competition pool is fast, swimming in it feels great, the only thing I missed was scoreboards since it matters a lot when turning. It is also important to ensure ideal water temperature, everything is alright in the complex really. This was the last time we were here, the complex will be quite busy from Monday, we will spend the last two weeks in Törökbálint again. We need some peace and quiet before returning here for the World Championships.
Looking up to the grandstands, especially to the top, is an extraordinary experience, just as it is the other way round looking down to the competition pool from above. Soon Duna Arena will be fully packed with people, does it put any pressure on you?
Actually, yes, I wouldn’t want to walk up there, it must be rather exhausting. I really like the complex, it is spacious, I am sure the audience will encourage us greatly. It is always special to race in front of home crowd. It is definitely not easier to swim in home environment, yet I am sure the audience will boost us. This will be the first time World Championships are hosted by Hungary, it will sure be a remarkable experience for all of us.
NOTHING ELSE BUT BUTTERFLY FOR NOW
At the beginning of his career László Cseh focused on medley events primarily, both his first World Championships medal (silver in Barcelona) and his first gold (Melbourne, 400m medley, 2005) were clinched in the classic Hungarian event. In 2013 he won his first World Championships medal in butterfly in Barcelona (silver in 100m) then, 10 years later he became champion in butterfly (200m) in Kazan.
Things are becoming clear now.
You will enter three butterfly events at the World Championships and you will miss 200m medley this time. A bit less than 2 weeks before the kick off, how are you getting on with your preparation?
We have done our job, last weekend marks the end of a harder period, now we shall focus on getting into shape, speeding up and relaxing are the focus areas from now on. I have given up on entering 200m medley, it would also require improving my breaststroke. Quite frankly I am not so much keen on this event any more so I decided to focus on butterfly instead.
50, 100 and 200m butterfly events have their history in your case. Interesting memories include the 100m final in Rio where you won silver in first ever Olympic three-way tie with Michael Phelps and Chad Le Clos. In 200m you are title defender, in 50m anything can happen…
I anticipate I will do well; preparations are going according to plans. It is true I haven’t had outstanding results lately, still I think I will manage to achieve my best form by the World Championships. In fact all events are interrelated: 50m butterfly is very important because of speed, in 100m physical fitness is a key in addition to speed, while in 200m focus areas include speed and dynamics. We are making good progress.
Which is your favourite course from these three?
It is difficult to pick, it is different what makes them demanding and enjoyable. I love all three, still 50m might be a bit too short, anything can happen there really. When I am good at 100m it makes me feel great and motivates me highly. 200m butterfly is the longest course so it allows for enjoying the „progress”, the beauty in swimming while racing. The point for me is to jump in the water and enjoy swimming. This is the primary focus even in a final. I have acquired the necessary experience and technique how to perform in the different events but a lot depends on rivals and on my forma at the time. I hope it will not be too exhausting to race and I will get out of the pool feeling untired.
RACING WITH TITANS (TOO)
Other Hungarian contender in 200m butterfly Tamás Kenderesi was 6 and a half while Kristóf Milák was 3 when László Cseh first became World Championships medallist in Barcelona. Now they both will enter the tournament and make the race with elder generations more nail-biting.
What time results do you aim for? Your master, Zsolt Plagányi told you hope for finishing within 51 seconds in 100m and in 1.54 in 200m, so that you could participate in the award ceremony.
I will definitely need to do my personal best in order to finish in the top. The field of butterfly is really strong and has improved significantly so it is rather difficult to make it to the final. I will aim at making it.
You are right, there are several excellent swimmers in the field, including youngsters, and to our pleasure, Hungarian youngsters such as Olympic bronze medallist Tamás Kenderesi and 17-year-old Kristóf Milák, who is in great form.
I am very glad about youngsters appearing on stage, still I hope I will manage to keep them behind somehow. 200m has been really strong recently due to Tamás Kenderesi among others, and Kristóf Milák is another talented Hungarian swimmer in 100m to be careful with. In the ideal scenario we three could swim in the 200m final but unfortunately it is not possible. Getting into the Hungarian roster for the World Championships is like swimming in the final.
Last week your dad helped out as the time keeper at your morning trainings since Zsolt Plagányi had to go to Netanya for the European Junior Championships where another young Hungarian talent Nándor Németh clinched gold in 100m freestyle and freestyle relay as well. It is great to see the harmony between swimmers from Eger and Törökbálint.
Yes, absolutely. My coach was absent for due reasons, our team is a good one for sure. Sometimes there are ups and downs, when I am tired and my performance is not that good I tend to be down. In these situations, my coach tries to lift me up, most often his attempts are successful. He helps me a great deal to get over, continue the work and pursue positive attitude at all times. The last week was really demanding, I was a bit down but in a few minutes he could lift me up and I know things will be just alright next week.
The coach
Zsolt Plagányi managed to pull László Cseh together not only in the short but in the long run, as well, since the Hungarian top swimmer is in a great form again thanks to his master. It is clearly demonstrated by the most recent world champion title gained in Kazan. In Rio after a devastating performance in 200m butterfly, he clinched that shiny silver in 100m demonstrating incredible willpower and mental preparedness. László’s coach thinks everything is given for the iconic swimmer to do well at the World Championships.
„Laci is quite tired now, preparations will be different from now, as usually, we will finish the process of getting into form in Törökbálint. If he manages to achieve the necessary speed at the World Championships, I believe he will have good results in all events” – said Zsolt Plagányi.
What is his schedule in Duna Arena?
„We will start off by 50m butterfly, this is the event which requires the appropriate speed. Obviously there are specialists in this event, we do our best to keep up with them. It will be followed by 200m butterfly where he is the title defender, he tops last year’s world ranking. He is still in the top, we pay special attention to this event. In 100m he is Olympic and World Champs silver medallist, he is capable of achieving great time (below 51 secs) and in 50m he will show what to expect in 100m. We both now that he needs to do better than in Kazan in order to win a medal. We expect close races, great battles, especially in 200m where the field is not so large yet there are a lot of swimmers who could finish under 1:54.”
And now a little about anticipation
„In my opinion he is quite balanced now. Eventually it may turn out to be beneficial that he could not achieve any outstanding results at the beginning of the year, this way he was not so much in the centre of attention. Sometimes it is good to avoid this burden as long as possible and cope with it only in due time. We do everything together, we always discuss what to improve or refine during races, trainings. We see his time results, the goal and inside we feel what to change. Since January Laci has lost 10 kg, which is fantastic, this is his competition weight. We will do our very best at the World Championships, this event is a fantastic opportunity. The goal is to make sure swimmers find joy in swimming.”
László Cseh will be among the first ones to swim as he enters 50m butterfly prelims in the morning and the semi-final in the afternoon on 23 July, the opening day of swimming events. The final will take place the following day. Prelims and semi-finals for 200m butterfly will be held on 25 July, while the final is scheduled for the following day. In 100m contenders will jump in the water on 28 July, the final for this event is due on 29 July evening.
CeeLo Green to perform at the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championships
László Gőz, musical director of the opening ceremony, told hvg.hu that the multiple Grammy Award winner CeeLo Green will perform at the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championships. The star will fill in for Emeli Sandé, who cancelled her performance and her whole tour due to sickness.
The opening ceremony of the championships costs 3.4 billion forints (~EUR 11m), out of which 1 billion (~EUR 3.2m) is spent on the artistic contributors. CeeLo Green will perform two songs and his performance fits into the original budget. The two hour long ceremony will include a 90 minute musical block, which presents Hungarian music history from classics to modern melodies.
More than 500 artists, 220 volunteers and sportspeople will be part of the opening ceremony. Their performance, the costumes, the decor, the screenings and the backstage work all form a part of the budget.
“This is going to be the biggest event ever held in Hungary, so it is very important for the country image. The creators have been preparing the all-artistic production for several months” said László Gőz. The best part is probably that you can watch the whole ceremony for free from the coast of Danube.
Thomas DeCarlo Callaway (CeeLo Green) is an American R&B/hiphop singer-song writer-producer-actor. He has won five Grammy Awards. He started his solo career in 1999, when he worked with Santana on his world-famous Supernatural album. He came out with six solo albums since then, and is mostly known for his Crazy and Fuck You! hit songs.
He also played in several movies and series, and was a judge in the American Voice. He performed at Sziget Festival three years ago:
Preparations for the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championships
Featured image: www.facebook.com/CeeLo Green
Ce: bm
Hungarian open water team is ready for the FINA World Championships
A little more than a week before the start of the open water events, the Hungarian team, led by head coach Gábor Gellért, is preparing for the 17th FINA World Championships at Lake Balaton. The home fans can be optimistic, because it is a team full of motivated swimmers, including a couple of young talented competitors.
The open water swimming competition of the 2017 FINA World Championships will start on 15 July with the men’s 5k event. Hungarian swimmers had the chance to qualify for the World Championships at the French National Championship in June, the best two competitors will enter each event.
The line-up of the relay team has not been published yet, head coach Gábor Gellért will decide about it later this week. Bp2017 Media has asked him to introduce the members of the Hungarian team.
MEN
KRISTÓF RASOVSZKY (5k, 10k, 25k)
“Kristóf has been in a good form recently, he has won a World Cup and two European Cup races in the last couple of weeks. He enters all three individual events, he feels the power to race in the 5k, the 10k and the 25k as well. He achieved a good result in an international competition in Israel back in 2015 already, and he has improved a lot since then. He loves the difficulties of open water swimming and hard work. I expect him to finish in the top 6, especially in the 10k and the 25k, but he may achieve more with the help of the home crowd.”
MÁRK PAPP (5k)
“He is our number two male competitor. He finished 13th at last year’s Olympic Games, and won the bronze medal at the European Championships in the team event. I was surprised he did not manage to qualify for the World Championships in the 10k, but that’s how life is. It may turn out to be an advantage for him, though, since the 5k is his only event, I am sure he will do everything he can to achieve a good result.”
DÁNIEL SZÉKELYI (10k)
“He is very worksome. He has changed clubs recently, and has been preparing for the World Championships in Eger under the supervision of former open water swimmer Gergely Kutasi. He has not achieved any outstanding results so far, but he is really consistent. He has taken part in a couple of European Cup races, but he will need an excellent performance in order to achieve a top result. His goal for now must be to gain experience.”
GERGELY GYURTA (25k)
“He already tried the 25k at the 2013 FINA World Championships, he finished 13th. He had an outstanding performance in the French Championship, finishing just behind former world champion Alex Meyer, so he has a realistic chance to finish in the top six. He is really experienced both in the pool and in open water.”
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WOMEN
ANNA OLASZ (10k, 25 k)
“She is our number one female competitor. I expect a top 6 finish from her both in the 10k and the 25k. Her fitness is getting better and better, and she is already in good shape, so she can please Hungarian fans in Balatonfüred. She claimed the silver medal two years ago in Kazan in the 25k, but it will be a very tough competition at the World Championships with plenty of good swimmers.”
KATA SÖMENEK ONON (10k, 25k)
“It will be her first major senior competition. I was surprised that she managed to qualify for the World Championships not only one but in two events, although she has had some notable results in some international contests for instance in Cyprus and in Israel. She finished fifth at last year’s European Junior Championships. Her coaches, György Turi and György Krajnyák have done an excellent job with her, but I think her main goal should be to gain experience.”
MELINDA NOVOSZÁTH (5k)
“She has not got any experience in major senior competitions either, actually she missed the European Junior Championships because of an injury. She has to gain much more experience, too, but she is very fast, her finish is really good, so if she manages to stay close to the first bunch, anything can happen.”
JANKA JUHÁSZ (5k)
“Like Kata Sömenek Onon and Melinda Novoszáth it will be the first time for her to meet the world’s senior elite, and she is not used to it yet. I have to say, though, that open water is a perfect choice for her, despite the fact that she also competes in the pool, in the 4x200m freestyle relay. She is a European junior champion and world junior silver medallist, so I am sure she will have a very successful senior career.”
FINA championship open to media but MTVA has sole rights to broadcast competitive events
Hungarian public broadcaster MTVA said in a statement on Thursday that all registered media outlets will have access to the so-called mixed zone and press events of the FINA championships at the discretion of FINA, but MTVA retains exclusive rights to record and broadcast the competitive events themselves.
Government spokesman Zoltán Balog said that it is standard practice at all world sporting events for the rights-holder to sell the images recorded at the competition sites.
News site mno.hu reported earlier that several broadcasters had received letters barring them from using cameras at competition sites even when no events are under way. This would also make it impossible for them to interview contestants, mno.hu said.
At a news briefing on Thursday, government office chief János Lázár appealed for support for the event “the likes of which has not been organised in Hungary for at least a century”.
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Photo: MTI
Olympic champion Hosszú announces founding of Global Association of Professional Swimmers
Three-time Olympic champion swimmer Katinka Hosszú announced on Tuesday the founding of a new international swimming body, the Global Association of Professional Swimmers (GAPS), which is being set up with the participation of 30 swimmers, including 15 Olympic champions, with a view to counterbalancing “chaos” in the international swimming association FINA.
Dear Fellow Swimmers,
Many things can change in sports in a span of two weeks, not only races and championships, but careers as well. In Rio it took roughly a week to award all the medals of the Olympic swimming competition, and the same will happen in the World Championships this year in Budapest.
In the last two weeks I’ve learnt an important lesson: this amount of time could be enough for an entire sport to start heading into a completely new direction. I was hoping that my last letter would have a light bulb effect for many of you, but even I underestimated the rate at which everything would happen. I do not mean the fact that the press would quickly jump on the topic, or that many people who were never interested in swimming will start asking questions about the sport, but I mean the speed and ease at which all of us, the swimmers, have started to come together as one.As I believed, many of us were on the same page, well aware of the problems of today’s swimming. We had the same way of thinking when it came down to finding solutions to those issues. Even if we had remained silent until now, most of us were not only ready to openly talk about the problems, but ready to act in order to reform the sport of swimming, even if those changes might be against our own personal interests. This whole movement has immediately eliminated many of our dividing lines, with different nationalities, languages, time-zones and cultures all coming together as one.
We are proud to announce that with more than 30 members, including 15 Olympic champions, the Global Association of Professional Swimmers (GAPS) is coming to life today, with its members already representing all the continents of the globe.
Our goal is to have more members and to listen to all of you. GAPS will make it possible for us to jointly represent the interest of the professional swimmers, to have a clear view on what is happening today in the sport of swimming, and to have a chance to influence the future development of our sport.
We now rightfully expect that leaders of FINA will give us a seat at the table. We expect swimmers to be treated as equal partners. We expect that they will sit down and start talking to us. We expect that they will listen to the voice of the professional swimmers and we expect to have a say in important decisions about the future of our sport.
You can join and share your opinion with us on http://swimmingprofessionals.org. And when the time comes, we will be able to represent the best interests of the entire professional swimming community as one.Current members:
Jessica Ashwood, Australia
Bronte Campbell, Australia
Cate Campbell, Australia
Madison Wilson, Australia
Pieter Timmers, Belgium
Bruno Fratus, Brazil
Hilary Caldwell, Canada
Pernille Blume, Denmark
Jeanette Ottesen, Denmark
Rikke Pedersen, Denmark
Camile Lacourt, France
Anna Santamans, France
Marco Koch, Germany
James Guy, Great Britain
Adam Peaty, Great Britain
Katinka Hosszú, Hungary
Luca Dotto, Italy
Kosuke Hagino, Japan
Femke Heemskerk, Netherlands
Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Netherlands
Kira Toussaint, Netherlands
Sharon Van Rouwendaal, Netherlands
Ferry Weertman, Netherlands
Michelle Coleman, Sweden
Jennie Johansson, Sweden
Sarah Sjöström, Sweden
Cameron Van Der Burgh, South Africa
Conor Dwyer, USA
Katie Meili, USA
Lia Neal, USA
Budapest and Balatonfüred are hosting the FINA world championships between July 14 and 30.
Photo: MTI
Swimming: Hungarian titans preparing for the big meet
A huge bunch of home swimmers will attend the 17th FINA World Championships, yet in this case quality is not affected by high quantity. Even the youngest have had an outstanding season so far thus they will not only learn and improve at the greatest sporting event ever hosted by Hungary but we might as well see some surprising accomplishments. They all have warmed up for the World Champs by claiming (gold) medals at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya.
Kristóf Milák
One of the most promising newcomers at the World Championships could be Kristóf Milák aged 17 from Érd, who did an excellent time in 200m butterfly last weekend at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, in addition he clinched two more gold medals in relays. His coach was also surprised about his outstanding performance, as Attila Selmeci put it „it really is adult world class performance”.
He touched in 1:53.79, junior world record time and second best of this year’s adult world ranking, only 0.08 seconds behind Japanese swimmer Masato Sakai. Neither multiple world champion László Cseh nor Olympic bronze medallist Tamás Kenderesi has had a similar result recently, the latter one touched in 1:54.33 at the international tournament in Rome. The young swimmer from Érd improved his previous best time by one second, by the way this result would have placed him sixth in Rio. No doubt, if he entered this event at the World Championships in Budapest he would definitely make it to the final. However, this time he will enter 100m instead.
„It would be a miracle if he could get to the 100m butterfly final this summer” – Attila Selmeci said in an interview a couple of months ago. We might need to re-schedule this statement for July. The performance of Kristóf Milák is outstanding also because his main tournament – beside the European Junior Championships before the World Champs in July- will be the Junior World Championships in Indianapolis. He, in addition to Nándor Németh and Ajna Késely, has the chance of becoming the first junior world champion of Hungary.
The road of Kristóf Milák to the current run of success was rather bumpy: he was to debut in the field of adults last December at the Short Course World Championships in Windsor, however, due to his heart problem he had to take a break from swimming and he had to start planning from the starting line. Overcoming challenges was rather demanding, mostly mentally. This April everything got back on track again though; surprisingly enough he touched in 1:55.41, ahead of world class swimmer László Cseh at the nationals in Debrecen.
„I am not really a self-driven type, it is much easier and more motivating when such iconic swimmers stand beside me on the starting blocks as László Cseh, Tamás Kenderesi or Bence Pulai, because I know I have to do my very best if I am to defeat them” – the young talented swimmer told utanpotlassport.hu, who was seven when he claimed his first champion title in Gyula and it was clear already by then that he was absolutely talented and had great potential for swimming.
His coach told that a few years ago he did well in backstroke, then he took up butterfly and although he was quite good at freestyle and breaststroke it became clear that butterfly would be his main scope. He still focuses on freestyle, as well, since he is a member of the 4x200m freestyle relay.
The 17-year-old boy reminds his coach of Michael Phelps, based on his physical fitness Kristóf may prove to be successful in 200m as well as in 100m, provided he further improves his breathing technique he has bright future prospects.
„Kristóf has excellent genetics, he is tall, his arms and legs are long, his specific gravity is ideal, what is more, his dolphin legs are the kind one must be born with. His physical fitness and endurance is great, too. I am not into guessing but if he keeps improving at the same pace he might become an outstanding swimmer even in the field of highly successful swimmers in Hungary. He is a great talent, for sure” – told Attila Selmeci.
At the nationals held in Debrecen this April he swept 100m butterfly with the seventh best time of adult world ranking (51.98) securing his entry to the World Championships in Budapest this summer. Later, at the Budapest Open he had the opportunity to try the pool of Duna Arena.
„I really enjoyed swimming here, the arena is huge, spacious and amazing. I can’t believe I will be standing on the starting block here this July. I always focus on my tasks ahead therefore I don’t like making predictions about the future, I will do my best for sure. I will race in the European Junior Championships, then the Junior World Champs and I will perform as good as I can” – said Kristóf Milák.
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Nándor Németh
Talking about boys we must not forget to mention the performance and significance of 17-year-old Nándor Németh. The boy from Eger became Hungarian champion at the nationals in April touching in 48.64 (new Hungarian record, 10th best time of the world ranking at the time) in 100m freestyle. It definitely caused headache to head coach Csaba Sós, but after consulting Zsolt Plagányi, coach of Nándor, he decided the boy’s main tournament would be the World Championships in Indianapolis.
No surprise he clinched a gold at the European Junior Championships in Netanya, too. In Budapest this July he will be a member of the 4x100m freestyle relay, he will have the opportunity to make his mark there. Fellow swimmers, studying in the States, Richárd Bohus and Péter Holoda as well as five-time European Championships bronze medallist freestyler of MTK, Kozma Dominik may be of assistance.
The tall young boy took up swimming because of his brother. Although he did football for a while in the end he chose swimming. He was preparing in a two-lane pool of a hotel in Siófok for a long time, but about five years ago his family made an important decision. Nándi and his mother first moved to Érd then Törökbálint in order for the boy to attend the trainings of Zsolt Plagányi, while the other part of the family remained home.
Getting used to the new situation was rather hard for him, he travelled back to Siófok whenever he could. His coach allowed him to skip Saturday trainings and spend time with his family instead. Cooperation, family support and harmony between the coach and the family soon proved to be fruitful as Nándi finished first in 100m freestyle and 4×200 freestyle relay at the European Junior Championships in Hódmezővásárhely, and so far he has claimed 3 gold medals at the European Junior Swimming Championships being hosted by Netanya at present.
„Maybe life returns some of what he has given up for swimming” – told Zsolt Plagányi to utanpotlassport.hu earlier.
The master coach of the Swimming Club of Eger was earlier thinking about the direction to take with Nándor Németh, hesitating between 100m and 1500m freestyle. Then through tournaments and results it became clear that his main event would be 100m freestyle beside relay events. He will carry no burdens at the World Champs in Budapest, he may express his gratitude to his family, club and master for all the sacrifices by a pleasure swim.
Ajna Késely
Probably the list should have been started by Ajna Késely because of her steady performance so far: the gold medal claimed by the athlete and greatest talent of Kőbánya SC at the Junior Championships in Israel is already her fifth one. She excelled again in 200, 400, 800 and 1500m in the European junior tournament and won a gold with the medley relay team, as well.
„Real treasure” – as her master, György Turi described her. Her tally consists of more than 400 medals already, although she hasn’t yet turned 16. Her icon is one of the best Hungarian swimmers ever, five-time Olympic champion Krisztina Egerszegi. The mascot she got from her is still in her bag, she doesn’t mind being compared to the legendary swimmer sometimes, what is more, she often asks the swimming legend for advice.
Aged 15 she claimed her first European champion title in the adults’ field as a member of the 4x200m relay last year in London, while she was the youngest swimmer in the Hungarian team in Rio. The 17th FINA World Championships hosted by Budapest motivates her a lot, she strives to swim personal best. The teenage girl always all smiles loves swimming, it would be no surprise if she was one of the biggest favourites of the home crowd this summer thanks to her charming character and outstanding performance.
At her first World Championships she will definitely enter 1500m freestyle and women’s 4x200m freestyle relay, while her entry to 200, 400 and 800m freestyle highly depends on Katinka Hosszú. World class swimmer will announce which events she picks for the World Champs by 5 July, this determines the 15-year-old girl’s roles in Duna Arena.
„I am glad about having the opportunity to swim with Katinka Hosszú and Boglárka Kapás, because I might copy some technical tricks of theirs which may come handy in the long run for me, too. I hope for great accomplishments at the World Championships in Budapest if the opportunity presents itself” – he said, adding that the same applies to the Junior World Championships in Indianapolis.
The FINA World Aquatics Championship brings a huge wave of visitors to Budapest
Turizmusonline.hu reports that according to the analysis of Szallas.hu, 70% more guests are coming to Budapest, compared to this time last year. People are booking mostly apartments and three-star hotels, most of the Hungarian visitors are coming from Nyíregyháza and Miskolc, while those coming from abroad mainly arrive from Poland, Slovakia and Romania.
A night in Budapest costs 58 euros on average, Hungarians spend usually 135 euros on lodging, while foreigners spend 160 euros on their 2-3 day stays in apartments or three star hotels. The number of bookings increased by 70% (as of yet!) thanks to the sport event, compared to the numbers in July 2016
Hungarians tend to book hotels on Hungarian booking sites, but two out of ten foreigners book on these sites as well. Judit Mészáros, marketing manager of Szallas.hu told Turizmosonline.hu that most of the Hungarians come from Nyíregyháza and Miskolc, but Polish, Slovakian and Romanian visitors also booked their hotels on Szallas.hu.
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There are still some free rooms, but you better hurry if you plan on staying in Budapest on the 14th, 15th or 20th of July, as according to the collected data, most of the hotels are already fully booked.
The open water swimming events will be held at Balatonfüred, Lake Balaton. Concerning the number of bookings, there is a 45 percent increase compared to last July. Here, guests stay usually for 3-7 days, most of the foreigners being Slovakians and Germans. A night here costs 18 percent more than last year: it is 32 euros this year.
Most of the rooms were booked ahead in Budapest, however, a lot of them were cancelled, but just in time, so the hotels could let them again, said István Kovács, the secretary general of the Hungarian Hotel & Restaurant Association. He also commented on the changes in prices, expecting a rise, but the hotels are flexible: the prices change according to demand. An exact report will be drawn up regarding the number of bookings and the prices after the event.
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The World Aquatics Championship will be held in Budapest and in Balatonfüred between the 14th and 30th of July.
You can read our articles and other news on the event by searching for the tag FINA – BUDAPEST2017
featured photo:fina-budapest2017.com
Ce: bm
Telephone hotline in English, Hungarian opens for visitors of summer sports events
Budapest2017 LLC., the company organising and conducting the 17th FINA World Championships and the 17th FINA World Masters Championships is to provide call centre services to conduct the tournament smoothly as well as to manage any questions, issues, matters arising.
The call centre with Hungarian and English speaking operators will be available between 29 June and 22 August.
The call centre will be operated 0-24 between 6 and 30 July, otherwise it will be available between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Scope:
• General information relating to events, transport
• Complaint handling
• Touristic information
• Ticket information
• Emergency call
CALL CENTRE CONTACT NUMBER: +36/1-90-70-500
EMERGENCY CALL: 112
In the call centre menu those choosing the emergency call option will receive a message instructing them to dial 112 to reach the emergency line in accordance with National Police Headquarters (ORFK) provisions.
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Photo credit: József Szaka
Records can be broken at the 17th FINA Masters World Championships
The number of registered participants for the 17th FINA Masters World Championships exceeded the 12 thousand. Given these facts, chance is high that Masters World Championships, organized in Budapest and Balatonfüred, will be a championship of the highest number of participants ever in the history of the Masters.
The first Masters Championships was organized in1986 for retired sport stars and amateurs. From the event organized those days- only with swimming races- a real tradition formed and from the year of 1990 all disciplines became part of the program.
The number of the registered participants in the five sports was the highest in 2012 in the past 30 years in Riccione, Italy, when 12.410 people took part in the World Championships, following the Elite World Championships.
However, the number of registered participant reached 12.000 today; we have all reasons to hope for the best of breaking the record of Riccione.
The number of competitors, coaches and attendants could increase further, as the registration for the 17th FINA Masters World Championships ends only at midnight 29 June. Because of the great interest shown in certain races their registration period has been closed: in water polo and synchronized swimming no more registration is possible as those reached their maximum.
Registration is still available on the following link: https://registration.fina.org/
Budapest is welcoming the 17th FINA World Championships with spectacular opening ceremony
29th June 2017 Budapest– from 9:00 PM 14 July spectators can enjoy the most spectacular show in the history of Aquatic World Championships and Hungary by attending the opening ceremony of the 17th FINA World Championships in Budapest. Four, 1600 tonnes of barges, 3000 meter large stage, 2000 costumes, 40 drones and 510 artist-are only few numbers at the opening ceremony in the heart of Budapest. In the organization of the event of world class standard nearly 220 volunteers and young sportsmen are also participating. The show is hosting artist like Péter Eötvös, Ágnes Herczku, or Gergely Bogányi. In the opening ceremony the superstar, Emeli Sandé also comes on stage– as it turned out at the common press conference of the Müpa and the Bp2017 NKft.
Budapest and Balatonfüred is welcoming its fans and nearly 2500 sportsmen-arriving to the 17th FINA World Championships, starting on 14th July- with grandiose performance of all arts.
Bp2017 NKft. –organizing the 17th World Championships- and Müpa-responsible for the opening and closing ceremony-stated in their common press conference, the biggest event ever in Hungary’s history would be held on four, 80×10 meter large and 160 tonnes floating barges at the Pest bridge-side of the Chain Bridge. At the background of the unique show of all arts presenting our cultural and sport heritage, Budapest’s iconic buildings are ensuring breath-taking scene for the spectators. “FINA World Championships is one of the four biggest and most prestigious sport events in the world, its organization means enormous sport diplomatic success for our country. However it could not come true without out remarkable sportsmen whose international reputation contributed to Hungary’s opportunity that Budapest and Balatonfüred got the organization right of the event. “With the opening ceremony we are celebrating their success”- said Éva Szántó, Managing Director of Bp2017. She added: “Thanks to all artists, organizers, technicians and volunteers who participated in the organization of this monumental performance.” The high working standards and the exceptional cooperation was obvious not only during the organization of the opening ceremony but it is characterizing the whole preparation process.”
In the organization of the opening ceremony- building on four thematic blocks about the connection of water, life, culture and sport- and the closing ceremony- 220 volunteers and young sportsmen and more than 510 artists are contributing, including Hungary’s biggest superstars like Péter Eötvös, Ágnes Herczku and Gergely Bogányi. In the event promising various style of music from contemporary classical to the world music, the British pop star Emeli Sandé also comes onstage.
Csaba Káel, the Principal Director of the opening and closing ceremony, Müpa’s Chief Executive Director emphasized in his press conference: „To implement a performance of this size on the Danube is transcending anything before and requires enormous preparedness. We are proud of our sportsmen, observed by amazement by the whole world for their extraordinary performance, and of our artists who are ambassadors of our Hungarian culture. By the opening and the closing ceremony we pay homage to the common faith, devotion and talent of our sportsmen and artists. The fact that in the heart of Budapest the Danube is providing place for the performance before the eyes of inhabitants and foreign visitors is unique in the whole world: guests can have a chance to see behind the curtains of an amazing performance combining various arts as one.”
The costumes of the performers were designed by the internationally acknowledged Kati Zoób who highlighted in her own press conference 150 models would strike a pose on the catwalk, including Hungarian superstars like Réka Ebegényi and Enikő Mihalik – it is not only a breath-taking haute couture fashion show it is more like a cultural-historical synopsis of the past 200 years in form of unique fabrics, cutting lines and dresses. Sándor Román, the choreographer of the opening ceremony, the Art Director of the ExperiDance said, he never experienced such a spirit of partnership in the preparation, in which artists, professional dancers and students are also participating representing the power of Hungarian folk dance, present in various languages, cultures and generations, affecting all from young to elder age groups.
Julie Cugurno, the Operational Director of ECA2,- the company responsible for the technical implementation of the opening ceremony- claimed: the performance is both domestically and internationally outstanding, including the most spectacular sights of the capital, and the scenery of the Danube which is part of UNESCO’s world heritage, presenting an array of special technical solutions building on the exceptional conditions of the location.
The closing ceremony of the 17th FINA World Championships starts at 9:30 PM 30 July in the Papp László Sport Arena after the last race. Bence Vági, the organizer of the closing ceremony, the leader of theRecirquel, emphasized, the performance is going to be the celebration of the world championships and of the sport achievements at the same time, however a closing ceremony always means continuity by which Hungary is passing the baton to the organizers of the World Championships in 2019. The closing ceremony, moving more than 200 artists in dances and circuses, is a Hungarian product, performers, including 80 acrobats and more than 50 dancers- are arriving from 18 countries of the world. Besides the sets a monumental puppet is also appearing on the stage
The performances are broadcast live by the Magyar Television. Besides this spectators can follow the events at the Budapest2017 Aquastics Fan Park- in the designated zones on the Margarethe Island and Duna Arena- or on the displays of the Quay. The closing ceremony can be attended free but registration is needed on the spot. Tickets are available via the ticket network of the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena.
Photos: József Szaka, MTI
Budapest Airport completes the renovation of runway I ahead of the summer peak season
According to Budapest Airport offical site bud.hu, The 3-month-long renovation of runway I at Budapest Airport has been completed; thus, the airport reverted to regular, two runway operation. The airport operator spent 1.65 million EUR to replace the concrete pavement on a 900-meter-long stretch of the 3-kilometer-long runway.
The Airbus A320 used by Lufthansa on flight 1677 to Munich was the first aircraft to take off from the renovated runway I at Budapest Airport, at precisely 14:00 hours this afternoon. The runway was reopened to traffic as planned, after three months and one week. Single runway operation meant an increased workload for air traffic control, especially for staff working in the tower and the so-called terminal maneuvering area, but HungaroControl performed its task safely and professionally. The reconstruction was necessary primarily due to aviation safety reasons, as the old concrete slabs and the foundation of the runway, constructed 30 years ago, were no longer able to withstand the loads from aircraft taking off and landing.
The renovation affected a 900-meter-long section of the runway towards the Vecsés end, where the central elements of the 45-meter-wide concrete strip had to be replaced, from the foundation, including the airfield ground lighting fixtures. The project cost 1.65 million EUR (just over 500 million HUF). Budapest Airport scheduled the renovation so that the works would be completed before the summer peak season and the FINA Aquatics World Championships to be held in Budapest.
According to chief operating officer Péter Huszka, the airport operated without major disruptions during the closure, with runway II, although arriving and departing aircraft had to taxi longer distances, depending on the wind direction. “There was an unusual increase in air traffic in some areas around the airport, where normally, only a fraction of the flights would operate. We thank residents for their patience, whereby we were able to execute this reconstruction over the past three months. This will guarantee the safe operation of the airport for a long time to come,” said Péter Huszka.
“We did everything we could to renovate the runway in the shortest possible time and the best possible quality,” emphasized Sándor Kovács, group leader from Budapest Airport’s Corporate Unit Technical, who managed the project. He added: “The most important consideration for the reconstruction was to ensure aviation safety. Our engineers, project managers and subcontractors often worked during the night and on weekends, so that the runway could be reopened for the summer peak holiday season. In addition to the concreting works, the bitumen-based jointing material between the concrete slabs was replaced with a polymer-based one, along the entire length of the runway.”
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Photo: bud.hu
Spectacular, fast and free boat cruises in Budapest during the FINA World Championships
Docks along the Danube by Budapest have been renovated in the course of preparation for the 17th FINA World Championships. During the event scheduled and dedicated services will be available, ticket holders of the World Championships can use dedicated parking lots and boat services free of charge. Details on the agreement concluded by MAHART Passnave and Bp2017 LLC. have been announced at the press conference hosted in the course of a spectacular boat cruise.
Those purchasing tickets to the 17th FINA World Championships will receive multiple benefits, especially when travelling to the capital city from the countryside or abroad. In accordance with the cooperation between MAHART Passnave and Bp2017 LLC. in addition to attending the tournament ticket holders will have the opportunity to enjoy highly spectacular boat cruises to the competition venues – upon choosing Danube boat services.
What is more, these services will be available for ticket holders free of charge. Moreover, ticket holders may use the dedicated parking areas by the Palace of Arts (MÜPA) and Szent Gellért square (opposite the University of Technology and Economics) free of charge and then they can change to dedicated boat services without having to purchase any travelling tickets.
This is a key element of the agreement between the two parties, in addition to providing dedicated boat services to FINA VIP guests, partners and accredited media representatives.
Dr. Tünde Szabó Minister of State for Sport reminded during the event on Monday that it is only 18 days before the start of the World Championships, which itself is a great opportunity for the country, in addition, it led to delivering and executing investments and developments which the city and tourism in Hungary would benefit from on the long run.
Thanks to the project 12 renewed docks will be put into service. MAHART PassNave and the Organising Committee of the World Championships have jointly determined the location and number of docks to be established in the capital which fit in the cityscape, have touristic value and serve the logistic demand of the event to the full.
Csaba Varga, Logistic Manager at Bp2017 LLC. told that four docks have been established by Duna Arena, three by Margaret Island, two at Vigadó square, one at Batthyány square, one opposite the University of Technology and Economics (by Szent Gellért square) and one at the Palace of Arts (MÜPA).
All docks have been designated to allow for multiple boats docking and departing simultaneously – allowing for the enhanced relief of road traffic. Boats from the north and the south will arrive at the docks 20-30mins apart, meaning that 8-10 boats may be received in a station every hour.
„Budapest is the most wonderful capital city in the world, what is more, 3 of the World Championships venues may be accessed by the Danube therefore we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. We started organising logistics on water a year and a half ago, I believe spectators approaching the venues by water free of charge will have a remarkable experience boarding the boat and sightseeing ont he way to the event. This agreement serves our aspiration to host one of the greatest World Championships of all times” – summarised Csaba Varga.
Éva Szántó, Executive Director at Bp2017 LLC. emphasized that Hungary had a rather short period to organise the World Championships hosted by Budapest and Balatonfüred, but thanks to the commitment of those working hard behind the scenes as well as their partners, including MAHART, the current stage of preparations and organising is absolutely in accordance with plans and provides for conducting the tournament at a high level.
Gábor Spányik, Managing Director at MAHART told that hosting the World Championships is a great opportunity for the Passenger Shipping Ltd. since it provided space for developments.
„We found an excellent partner in the company organising the World Championships, this is a great opportunity for us. 14 of our boats have been refurbished and renovated regarding technologic and convenience functions alike, they are ready to serve the logistic demand of spectators, contributors and attendants of the World Championships. There is Wi-Fi access on board. We are tired but looking forward to the event, we have done tremendous work, but this is a pleasant tiredness” – said the Managing Director adding that having completed the renovation of docks a historic shipping exhibition will be at the visitors’ disposal kicking off at Vigadó sqare.
Some of the dedicated boat services will be express ones (hydrofoil boats can cover the route between the Palace of Arts and Duna Arena in 20 mins) as well as round cruises every 20-30 mins.
During the World Championships there will be info sites in each dock providing visitors with timetable, touristic information as well as details on the World Championships. Holders of tickets and accreditation for the World Championships can use boat services free of charge.
Photos: József Szaka
They are the most beautiful women in Hungary – Photos
Virág Koroknyai wins this year’s beauty contest and crowned as Miss World Hungary 2017. Viktória Viczián finished second and Laura Pető finished third place on yesterday.
The 16 finalist girls stepped on the stage in four different attire: the creative tour inspired by the FINA World Aquatics Championships, the girls also dressed bikinis, national and evening dresses.
The new Miss World of Hungary, Koroknyai Virág was born on March 3, 1997, and she loves yoga, acrobatics and reading. Koroknyai has an intermediate language exam in English.
Koroknyai
Koroknyai Virág on the middle, Viktória Viczián (left), Laura Petõ
Koroknyai
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Photo: Zoltán Balogh/MTI
Docks along the Danube in Budapest will be renovated
Docks along the Danube in Budapest will be renovated in preparation for the 17th FINA World Championships. During the event scheduled and dedicated services will be available, holders of World Championships tickets can use dedicated World Champs parking lots as well as boat services free of charge.
As we reported earlier, in addition to scheduled boat services operated by the Centre for Budapest Transport dedicated boat services will be available during the 17th FINA World Championships as a result of cooperation between Bp2017 LLC. and MAHART.
There will be two lines operated during the World Championships: an express line between the Palace of Arts and Duna Arena and a standard line between Szent Gellért square and Duna Arena stopping at each station. In addition, there will be dedicated boat services for FINA officials, partners and VIP guests between Vigadó and Duna Arena as well as for media representatives between Margaret Island and Duna Arena.
In cooperation with the Organising Committee MAHART PassNave has determined the location and number of docks to be established in line with serving the boat service demand during the event ensuring that tourists visiting Budapest would benefit from the new facilities on the long run while matching the landscape.
Accordingly, 4 docks will be established at Duna Arena, 3 by Margaret Island, 2 at Vigadó square, 1 at Batthyány square, 1 outside the University of Technology and Economics (at Szent Gellért square) and 1 at the Palace of Arts. The location and arrangement of docks would allow for multiple boats arriving or departing at the same time – this helps to relieve road traffic. Boats will dock every 20-30 minutes from the north and the south alike allowing for the docking of 8-10 boats per hour.
MAHART PassNave boats will be modernised until the event to serve the convenience of fans and contributors of the World Championships. Those using scheduled boat services regularly will notice no difference in the service, the extra undertaking does not affect the system operated efficiently at present.
The use of docks will be continued after the World Championships, as well: some of them will be involved in scheduled services of Budapest and the Danube Bend, while others will be used for thematic historic ship exhibition sites in cooperation with the Ship Museum of Neszmély and Zoltán Gőzös Foundation. The exhibition will begin at Vigadó square with Kossuth Museum Ship, Lajta Warship will station by the Parliament and other boats will be exhibited by the Olympic Park, Margaret Island and Duna Arena. Boats operated by the Centre for Budapest Transport as well as other transport companies will be entitled to dock by these sites.
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During the World Championships every dock will feature an information point where guests can learn about timetables, get touristic information as well as details related to the World Championships. World Championships ticket holder with valid accreditation can use boat services free of charge.
In addition to boat services, fans attending the World Championships can use two parking areas free of charge, one located at Szent Gellért square (the parking area of the University of Technology and Economics) and the other located by the Palace of Arts – holders of tickets for the World Championships may leave their cars here all day free of charge.
After parking, it is time for a „sightseeing” boat voyage to the competition venue.
Photo: FINA-Budapest2017
This summer new legends will be born – Here is the newest campaign video by FINA Budapest 2017
The 17th FINA World Championships, starting on 14th July is now being popularized by its new campaign. In the center of the attention, there are the six sports of the world event (swimming, acrobatic diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, high diving, and open water swimming).
Less than one month left until the beginning of the biggest sport event ever of Hungary, the 17th FINA World Championships-organized in Budapest and Balatonfüred. The organizer of the event, Bp2017 Nkft., has just launched its new campaign is now popularizing the six sports of the world event, drawing people’s attention to the exceptional performance of the sportsmen and activating interest shown in different sports, both locally and internationally.
The campaign starts with a short film, entitled “This Summer New Legends will be Born”. The video is presenting the six sports embodied by legendary water creatures. Swimming is symbolized by the shark, the most fearsome animal of the seas, open water swimming is presented by the “wanderer” of the seas, the whale. With its characteristic movements dolphin became the symbol of the acrobatic diving, while orca in high diving, synchronized schools of fish in synchronized swimming and octopus in water polo became the emblems.
Animals come to life in a mysterious museum. At different parts of the room, a projection is waiting for its visitors highlighting and presenting outstanding sport achievements and sportsmen of exceptional performance from the previous decades- further strengthening the concept of using animals for the identification with different sports.
Sculptures demonstrated in the video were designed by one of the most famous contemporary artists of Hungary, the internationally acknowledged Miklós Gábor Szőke.
“I found the basic idea of the campaign very attractive so it was not a question for me to take it. By keeping in mind the analogy of the aquatic sports I created the animal characters, first designed in a 3D model. They come to life in the short film. Elemental force, exceptional performance and technique of the water legends, are also the features of the top-level sportsmen.”- said Miklós Gábor Szőke.
We believe the video will not only help the preparation of world-class sportsmen arriving to our country but also grabs the attention of sport lovers in the following one month.
HUF 50 coin in honour of the FINA World Championships
The National Bank of Hungary issues a commemorative HUF 50 coin honouring the 17th FINA World Championships. There will be 2 million pieces of the unique coin issued among which 12 000 coins would come as gift-wrapped first strike coins (brilliant uncirculated) whereas 7000 pieces would be proof coins in the 2017 set. The coin has been presented by the National Bank of Hungary and Bp2017 LLC. (in charge of organising and conducting the World Championships) at a press conference on Wednesday.
The reverse side of coins to be issued are identical to that of the currently used HUF 50 coin while the obverse side will be decorated with the logo of the 17th FINA World Championships instead of the saker falcon.
The coin has been presented at a press conference exactly a month ahead of the opening ceremony of the World Championships and it was attended by Tünde Szabó, Minister of State for Sport, Tibor Pataki, Head of Directorate Cash Logistics, Éva Szántó, Executive Director at Bp2017 LLC., Sándor Balogh, Director of Finance at Bp2017 LLC. and Andrea Gyarmati, Olympic silver and bronze medallist, World Championships bronze medallist and European champion swimmer, one of the 17th FINA World Championships ambassadors.
The obverse side of the coin was designed by István Kósa. Concerning its technical parameters, the coin is identical to the HUF 50 coin in use: alloy of copper (75%) and nickel (25%), weighs 7.70 grams, diameter is 27.4 mm, flange is 1.8 mm, smooth side.
The general public may encounter the special coin in the cash flow later on. It has not yet been launched, collectors can find the brilliant uncirculated coins in the coin shop of Hungarian Mint Ltd. at 7 Báthory street Budapest (district V.) as well as in the retail cashier’s office of the Central Bank located at 1 Kiss Ernő street Budapest (district V.) by money change for three months after issuing.
Two million pieces of the commemorative strike of the HUF 50 coin will be issued. 12 000 gift-wrapped first strike coins (brilliant uncirculated) will be available for purchase from 14 June, the day of issuing, through the sales network of the Hungarian Mint Ltd., in the coin shop operated by the company and in the webshop available through the website of the company. (http://penzvero.hu/).
7000 pieces of the new HUF 50 proof coins (of unique striking) will be distributed by the Hungarian Mint Ltd. together with the entire series of HUF coins for circulation during and following the 17th FINA World Championships.
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Featured photo: MTI