We can travel at half price by train to the Acquatic World Championships
Guests owning tickets to the races of the 17th FINA World Championships can travel half-price to cheer for their favorites thanks to the cooperation agreement between MÁV-START Zrt. and Bp2017 Világbajnokságot Szervező és Lebonyolító Nonprofit Kft. The railway company is providing further help in the transport of 3500 volunteers- essential in the organization of the event- and Masters’ accredited travelers.
The cooperation agreement was announced by Ilona Dávid, the Chairman and Chief Executive of MÁV Zrt., András Csépke, the Chief Executive of the MÁV-START Zrt and Éva Szántó, the Executive Director of Bp2017 Kft. on 12 June.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the MÁV-START locomotive- decorated with the image elements of the 17th FINA World Championships- was held in the Hall of the Keleti Railway Station. Éva Risztov, Olimpic Champion Hungarian swimmer, one of the ambassadors of the World Championships, and Attila Vári, the coordinator of the Masters World Championships, two times Olimpic Champion, Hungarian water polo World Champion also participated in the ceremony.
Based on the agreement the railway company – as seeded passenger transporting partner- provides 50 % discount for visitors buying tickets for the World Championships. Besides ensuring favorable conditions for the spectators, MÁV-START aims to ease the work of the 3500 volunteers, participating in the organization of the championships, by providing five time free transport per capita between their residences, Budapest and Balatonfüred. The railway company runs free special trains from the capital for those who are accredited for the Masters’ open water swimming races in August.
Éva Szántó, the Executive Director of Bp2017 Kft. announced: “ The currently signed agreement serves our purpose to make the experience of the championships available for everybody. Along with the available ticket prices the travelling costs do not mean financial burden on the families either. It is also advantageous from organizational aspects as the 17th FINA World Championships and Masters World Championships in August are one of the most complex sport events of the world, needless to say these should be made into a well-functioning whole. Contributing to the experience, MÁV-START is providing free travelling possibilities for 3500 volunteers, and visitors accredited for the Masters in August.”
Ilona Dávid, Chairman and Chief Executive of MÁV Zrt. reminded, by putting locomotives in operation- decorated for illustrious historical jubilees, events, famous people or for the honor of the Golden Team are creating new railway traditions. These locomotives are carrying messages and touching our hearts. The message of the domestically organized World Championships now literally starts on its journey from the “starting block” of the Keleti Railway Station. The Taurus locomotive of the MÁV-START from now on is nationwide spreading the company’s commitment and reverence for the World Championships and their sportsmen participating in the races.
András Csépke, the Executive Director of MÁV-START Zrt. said: “Based on the expectations about 10 thousand people will travel by train to the locations of the races. In Budapest, namely in the Duna Arena and in the Margit Island visitors will have chance to buy both inland and international tickets, and in Balatonfüred MÁV-START’s mobile cash-desks are serving the travelers where they can get their preferential tickets stamped and can also buy their train tickets. Volunteers helping the work of the organizers can get their free train tickets to the locations of the FINA and Masters World Championships. For the latter, accredited competitors, nearly 1000 sportsmen, and their attendants will be transported by special trains of the MÁV-START. For this purpose on 10, 11 and 12 August 2 trains of 7 carriages will be put in daily operation.
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Photo: MTI, Soós Botond (Máv Zrt.)
These five fascinating scenes in Budapest will be the venues of FINA
FINA World Championships – It is the greatest sports event that Budapest has ever hosted. The fabulous city now has an opportunity not only to prove its organizing merits, but to also show foreigner visitors its spectacular sights. Here are the World Championship’s scenes in Budapest according to Origo.
Batthyány Square, Danube Bank
The square that was named after Hungary’s first prime minister serves as the scene of high diving. It will be the only scene which lies on the western bank of River Danube in the Buda area, and the fascinating building of the Hungarian Parliament will be visible on the other side of the river.
Batthyány Square will be the venue of probably the most spectacular event of the FINA World Championship, high diving. Female competitors will have to jump from 20, male competitors from 27 meters high into the water in the most scenic way possible.
It is not the first time when the square takes part in the international sports life: in 2003, Red Bull Air Race’s Hungarian grand prix could be splendidly viewed from there, as the racing planes glided above the Danube.
Duna Arena
Budapest’s most recent spectacle is Duna Arena, which will play a vital role during the competition. It consists of two main complexes: a base building with a capacity of 6,000 people and a temporary complex that will be constructed exclusively for the World Championship. We don’t have to worry, the base building was designed in a way that it will remain Budapest’s gem even after the demolition of the seasonal building. Its blocks will be shipped away and used elsewhere after the end of the competition.
Duna Arena has two swimming pools built according to Olympics standards, and the auditorium’s capacity will be increased to 12,000 people for the duration of FINA World Championship. The construction of this building was carried out in less than two years, and it is definitely of world-class quality.
Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium
This complex, which was named after Hungary’s first Olympic champion who also designed the building, is considered to be the Mecca of swimming and water polo. Since its opening in 1930, this stadium witnessed multiple generations of water polo teams developing into world champions with nine gold medals in Olympics and three gold medals in former FINA World Championships.
The stadium was extended multiple times. The most significant development took place in 2006, when the Tamás Széchy sector was built with a new open pool and a diving pool. This part of the complex got its name from a former master trainer.
The “Hajós” served as a venue for multiple world championships, with the world championship of water polo in 2001 and the European championship of swimming in 2006 and 2010 among them. It was also the scene of the world championship of pentathlon in 1954 and 1999 and a Champions League final.
Városliget lake
Városliget lake, which has also been used for ice skating during the winter since 1830, lies in the neighborhood of Vajdahunyad castle and Heroes’ Square, latter of which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This is a special venue among these five because of its fascinating natural environment.
Next to the lake, we can find the City Park Ice Rink, which was opened in 1900 and since then, it provided a venue to countless sports events, most notably the European championship of speed skating in 2012.
This time, however, it is not ice but water is the one that fills up the place, serving as a pool for synchronized swimming. For the time of the FINA World Championship, two new mobile pools will be installed.
Hopefully the combination of Heroes’ Square monumentality, Vajdahunyad castle’s glory and the beautiful environment of the lake will charm the foreigner audience the same way as it does with us Hungarians.
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Photo: fina-budapest2017.com
Security committee head calls for heightened security at major summer events in Hungary
The Hungarian authorities should tighten security measures at major events this summer in response to growing challenges to Europe, the head of parliament’s security committee, of the opposition Socialists, said on Friday.
Noting the recent terrorist attacks and the current military decline of the Islamic State terrorist organisation, Zsolt Molnár told MTI that the security situation could worsen in Europe in the months ahead. For this reason, he has asked the interior minister and the minister in charge of information to introduce stricter security measures and tighten cooperation with other countries in order to prevent emergency situations.
Tens of thousands of foreigners will arrive in Hungary to attend the World Aquatics Championships, the Formula One Grand Prix and the Sziget Festival this summer, Molnár said, adding that multi-lingual information should be distributed over the internet, on leaflets and on mass transport to explain the special security measures to them.
Molnár also said that tens of thousands of Hungarians will travel internationally during their summer holidays and many of them will visit countries where the threat of terrorism is higher than in Hungary. He stressed the need to inform them about possible sources of danger and help them, if need be.
Photo: Sziget Festival
More money allocated for Hungarian police, security next year
More money will be allocated for police and security in next year’s budget, interior ministry state secretary Károly Kontrát said on Wednesday.
Parliament is expected to pass the 2018 budget next week.
Police will receive 22 billion forints (EUR 71m) more than this year, of which 5 billion forints will be spent on replacing vehicles, Kontrát told a press conference. The extra funding will also enable technical improvements to be implemented in the border crossing system. Also, the standby police force will move to a new headquarters, he added.
Kontrát said in response to a question that upcoming events such as the 2017 World Aquatics Championships, the Formula One race and the Sziget Festival will put an extra burden on the police, the anti-terrorism centre and secret services.
Tightening security at major international events in Hungary a priority, says minister
Heading to the Budapest FINA World Championships by boat? For sure!
The 17th FINA World Championships will be an aquatic event in every respect. The Danube, playing a key role in the city’s daily operation will be an important element during the event, as well. Dedicated boat service will be available to serve the needs of fans and officials alike.
The greatest event in the history of Budapest (and Hungary) will be conducted successfully as a result of extensive and coordinated work of organising. City life in those two weeks will be determined fundamentally by the 17th FINA World Championships.
Transport and traffic in the city will also be affected by the thousands of athletes and their attendants, FINA family, media representatives, as most of all fans visiting Budapest. Providing proper transport services to these people is the demand and expectation of all of us, including those driving cars in the city and inhabitants using the means of public transport alike.
In fact, in addition to dedicated bus and car services boats will be available for transport during the World Championships.
Public boat service
The Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) runs regular boat services (regardless of the World Champs, also). Boat D11 and D12 stop by Duna Arena, the key venue of the Championships located in Népfürdő street. D11 departs from Kopaszi gát and heads to Újpest, Árpád street while D12 operated between Kopaszi gát and Rómaifürdő every 70mins in the summer season.
These services stop by several important sites of the World Championships (D 12 stops at Margaret Island, Centenárium station) so the venues are easily accessible by public transport.
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Dedicated services during the World Championships
In addition to the 2 boat lines indicated above Bp2017 Nonprofit LLC (in charge of organising and conducting the event) collaborating with MAHART provides for dedicated boat services as well.
According to preliminary assessment approximately 10% of spectators attending the venues of the World Championships will use boat services (the majority of them, around 70% will probably use means of public transport).
There will be two lines provided for spectators. One of them, a direct line will depart from the Palace of Arts (MÜPA) and terminate at Duna Arena. The other one will run between Szent Gellért square and Duna Arena stopping at each station in between.
Dedicated stations include the followings (stations of the direct line in italics):
– Duna Arena
– Dráva street (connection to City Park venues)
– Margaret Island, Centenary monument (Hajós Alfréd National Swimming Stadium)
– Batthyány square
– Várkert Bazár
– Vigadó square
– Szent Gellért square (World Champs parking)
– Palace of Arts (World Champs parking)
In line with spectators’ boat services there will be two parking areas (with a capacity of 150 places each) established on the Pest side by the Palace of Arts (adjacent to Lágymányosi Bridge) and on the Buda side by Szent Gellért square.
The transport concept regulating boat services was intended to include touristic hubs, also the 2 lines shall be in line with the public transport network operated by the Centre for Budapest Transport. The 2 lines will have the total capacity of 1250 passengers per hour.
Spectators’ dedicated boat services can only be used by showing their official World Championships entry tickets.
Travel time between the Palace of Arts and Duna Arena is 54 mins in the direction of the Palace of Arts, the way back takes 40 mins. Travel time from Szent Gellért square to Duna Arena is 39 mins (return trip is 29 mins), boats will run every 30 mins.
Other dedicated boat services
Between downtown hotels and competition venues
In addition to dedicated buses running every hour between downtown hotels and competition venues (Margaret Island, Duna Arena) there will be dedicated boat services every hour for FINA officials, partners and VIP guests.
Travel time from Vigadó square is 33 mins, from Duna Arena it is 24 mins.
For media representatives
Media representatives attending the World Championships can use the dedicated boat service between Duna Arena and Margaret Island. It takes 15 mins, departure times (every 30 or 40 mins) are still under negotiation by organisers and MAHART representatives.
Photos: Szilvia Őszi
Embankment promenade leading to the Duna Arena is finished in Budapest
One of the most modern public spaces on the picturesque Danube river embankment is Moszkva promenade.
The investment was targeted for the 17th FINA World Championships hosted by Budapest. The new promenade will definitely be a useful and enjoyable infrastructural element for foreign visitors during the World Championships and in the long run it will serve the needs of inhabitants of all ages enjoying a nice cycling trip, running, some sport or a relaxing walk on the embankment promenade.
The construction of the promenade is a significant development on the international as well as municipal level:
– It was constructed primarily for the major aquatic tournament, the 17th FINA World Championships. The promenade will be used by foreign guests, officials as well as inhabitants and visitors of district XIII.
– It is located by the Danube, a key waterway in Europe for international trade and tourism. Due to the vicinity of several ports nearby as well as Margaret Island the promenade and its area is an important spot for domestic and foreign tourism alike.
– The cycle path will become an integral part of the EuroVelo international bicycle network along the Danube.
The promenade brought about a total renewal of a section of the embankment on the Pest side which was out of use before. A 1150m long 7m wide divided pedestrian and cycle path has been constructed. The divided pedestrian and cycle paths joins an existing non-divided pedestrian and cycle path under Árpád Bridge as well as a cycle path constructed in the course of the Dagály project. On the southern side cyclists have access to the upper embankment and existing cycle paths in Dráva street via the hub by Dráva street.
Retaining walls by the promenade have been decorated with the design elements of the World Championships so this section of the embankment promotes one of the greatest sporting events in the history of Budapest and Hungary.
The project constitutes an important element of a high-prestige urban development scheme serving local and touristic purposes alike in the framework of which cycle paths and pedestrian promenade is being constructed from the Parliament to Dagály beach along the lower embankment on the Pest side and then as a continuation to the north, from Népfürdő street to Rákos River. It provides a high quality link and ensures pedestrian and bicycle access between the downtown and North Pest and it will become an integral part of the EuroVelo network as well.
The project entailed the redevelopment of surrounding green spaces, areas, the installation of uniquely designed street furniture and bicycle stands and the preparation of smart public lighting and smart city solutions.
The reconstruction has been completed combining the present and the future in line with the smart city concept. New public lighting poles – convertible into smart spots – have been implemented along the promenade therefore the conditions necessary for providing free public Wifi are now available in Budapest – one of the first cities with such facilities-. These modern poles feature energy saving, environmentally sound LED lights.
Technical parameters:
– construction of a promenade and cycle path with the length of 1150 m
– 7 m width: 4 m pedestrian platform + 2×1.25 m cycle path + 0.5 m median strip
– more than 7500 m2 decorative covering
– 75 uniquely designed benches
– 9 uniquely designed sun benches
– 51 bicycle stands and 30 litter bins
– more than 160 newly planted trees
– more than 60 public lighting poles with LED lights convertible into smart ones
The Duna Arena, key venue of the 17th FINA World Championships, can now be accessed easily and conveniently through the embankment on Pest side (as well). We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of fans seizing the opportunity of using the promenade.
Budapest Open: Swimming is finally on at the “Duna Arena” in Budapest!
Swimming is finally on at the “Duna Arena” in Budapest! The start of the FINA World Championships in the Magyar capital is scheduled for July 14, 2017, but the superb facility hosting the swimming and diving competitions during the FINA showcase event, welcomes these days the first athletes in its 50m-pool. From June 1-4, the Budapest Open will gather 321 swimmers in what constitutes an important test event for the Championships. The majority of the competitors naturally come from Hungary, but foreign delegations include Austria, Croatia, Lithuania, Panama, Slovakia, Sweden, and Vietnam.
It is the first swimming competition in the brand-new facility. The Duna Aquatics Arena, officially inaugurated last February, is situated to the north side of the Dagály Swimming Baths site on the east bank of the Danube river, in the heart of the Hungarian capital. It consists of two main facilities for the 2017 FINA World Championships: a permanent building with seating for up to 6,000 spectators and a temporary facility, constructed specifically for FINA’s major event, which will host additional stands (for a total of 12,000 seats in Championships’ mode) and support facilities. The complex includes two 50m-pools and one diving pool (all indoor).
“It is surely one of the best complexes of this kind in the world! I can recall the iconic Beijing ‘Water Cube’, or the outstanding venue in Dubai, but there aren’t many more of this level. The organisers of Budapest 2017 deserve FINA’s deep recognition and appreciation. Our swimmers and divers will have excellent conditions to compete!” says Cornel Marculescu, FINA Executive Director. He led a FINA delegation that was in the Magyar capital this week, discussing the latest stages of preparation for the 2017 FINA World Championships. “Besides the competition, the ‘Duna’ will also be a superb legacy for the city of Budapest”, he adds.
Inside the “Dune Arena”
But Mr. Marculescu also underlines the quality of the remaining venues constructed or refurbished for the Championships. “Another two iconic locations are the ones for synchronised swimming and high diving. They will both provide the most spectacular images of the competition here in Budapest!”
The FINA Executive Director referred to the unique setting being prepared in the City Park (Városliget). During winter time, this space is used for ice skating by both adults and children. This venue will be the location of the synchronised swimming competitions (seating capacity: 6,000), which will require two temporary pools, instead of ice, on the rink. These conditions will be exceptional: there is the scenic view of the park, the monumental sculptures of Heroes Square, the Vajdahunyad Castle next to the rink, and the historic building of the “Mucsarnok” Exhibition Hall. “FINA’s motto is ‘Water is our World’, but in this case we will have ‘Water on Water’”, underlines Mr. Marculescu.
The synchro venue is near completion
Moreover, the Danube river will once more be the protagonist at the high diving competition. Another iconic element of the Budapest landscape will complete the magic: the magnificent building of the Hungarian Parliament, the perfect background for the performances of the best high divers of the planet. The tower (20m board for the women’s competition and 27m platform for the men’s) will be erected in the Batthyany Square, exactly on the opposite side of the Magyar Parliament.
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The water polo competition (8,000 seats) will be staged in the emblematic Margaret Island, well in the middle of the Danube river. The Alfred Hajós National Aquatics Complex was Hungary’s first indoor swimming pool and the premiere location for domestic water sports. In addition to hosting competitors of all ages in various aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, diving, scuba diving, modern pentathlon and triathlon – the facilities are also open for public use. The indoor swimming pool was built in 1930, on the basis of the plans and design of Hungary’s very first Olympic champion, Alfred Hajós. The outdoor pool and the diving facility were completed in 1937 and have been refurbished and extended several times since. Currently, eight open-air or covered swimming pools, and international standard diving platforms, covering nearly 80,000 m2 are available to professional and recreational athletes and the general public.
“’Water Polo’ and Margaret Island are deeply connected. Both are Hungarian institutions, but their reputation has gone well beyond the Magyar borders. The water polo competition will be thrilling there!” explains Mr. Marculescu.
Finally, the open water competition will be staged 120km away from Budapest. A true paradise for open water swimmers, Lake Balaton is a well-tested venue for major aquatic events. The course is located by the main promenade of Balatonfüred, which offers a brilliant view of the race and the Tihany peninsula. Balaton, Central Europe’s largest fresh-water lake, will be a comfortably warm and safe environment for participants. “The setting in Balaton is really spectacular. The landscape is beautiful and the area is well used to stage major events in open water. Again, a top-level venue that will be highly enjoyed by all our competitors”, finalises the FINA Executive Director.
FINA satisfied with preparations for 2017 World Aquatics Championships
Cornel Marculescu, Executive Director of FINA has announced: FINA is completely satisfied with the preparations for the summer FINA World Championships. He made this announcement at the last site visit in the Danube Arena.
“Budapest will add a new dimension to some of our disciplines”
A delegation of FINA officials – Executive Director, Cornel Marculescu, Head of FINA Marketing and TV, Peter Hall, Head of Protocol, Pavel Medvedev, Head of Communication, Pedro Adrega and board members of Dentsu, the marketing agency of FINA- have attended a five-day site visit of all World Championships sites and continued consulting with the Organising Committee.
Cornel Marculescu has noted with satisfaction that the debuting event of the Danube Arena, the Water Polo Final Six of the Champions League was concluded successfully and no problems occurred in the course of this key international event attended by thousands, which is a significant aspect regarding the upcoming World Championships.
„The Organising Committee led by Tamás Gyárfás and Éva Szántó is doing a great job” – said the Director. – „It goes without saying that as the time is approaching excitement and anxiety is increasing whether everything will be ready by the time the event begins but I have seen preparations for all World Championships closely since 1986 including all the minute details and I can tell you Hungary is not behind schedule at all. Constructors have made an excellent job at the high diving venue and the synchronised swimming venue in the City Park promises to be fascinating, too. Seriously, this event will add a new dimension to several disciplines by hosting them in such extraordinary venues. Concerning the Danube Arena, it is really hard to find the right words to describe how special it is, since it is quite rare even at Olympics that swimming events take place in such an impressive facility.”
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World Championships are not only about competition: organisers shall provide help in the preparations for several other events by FINA. During the World Championships period the technical congresses of all disciplines as well as the selection congress take place. On top of that, FINA organises an impressive gala dinner for more than a thousand guests. The most appropriate venue to host such a prestigious event is the Hungarian State Opera. The Director, Szilveszter Ókovács had a meeting with Cornel Marculescu to discuss the details of the event taking place on 22 July.
Photo: Giorgio Scala, FINA
Danube Arena: amazing debut, great success
Press release – The key venue of the 17th FINA World Championships have debuted internationally by hosting one of the highest attended LEN Champions League Final Six of all times. The event itself as well as the impress, as well as the impressive facility, among the audience, national and international guests, fans and athletes alike.
„This swimming stadium is awesome together with the whole environment and the atmosphere. We get to see top water polo players of the world, perhaps it is the best Champions League Final of all times. I am impressed” – said Elvis Fatovic, head coach of the Australian team on Friday, who was concerned for several reasons.
For one thing plenty of players attending the World Championships in summer were competing in the pool this time as well and this way he could observe them playing, and for another thing, his son, Loren plays in the title defender finalist team, Jug Dubrovnik.
„I have not really seen any swimming pools like this in Europe before, the circumstances are brilliant. Water polo is a sport in which Hungarians take great pride, they love this discipline and other aquatic sports, as well. Having the opportunity to cheer in such facilities is enviable, I am sure a lot of spectators will attend without special invitation, as well” –Sava Randelovic, Olympic and world champion Serbian player of AN Brescia said about the Danube Arena.
Marco Del Lungo (AN Brescia), goalkeeper of the Italian team shared his opinion: „It is a privilege to play in this arena, but it would be a great honour to do so in Hajós Alfréd Swimming Stadium, as well, and I hope I will have the opportunity to do so.”
„This was my very first water polo match and it was a remarkable experience for me” – summarised briefly an enthusiastic fan walking from the Danube Arena towards Árpád Bridge at the end of the first day of the Final Six. Just like in the case of the Final Six, organisers have determined ticket prices for the 17th FINA World Championships with the intention to ensure that attendance is affordable for any sport enthusiasts (no wonder that there is great interest in purchasing tickets for the World Champs, too).
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Nearly 20 thousand fans watched the 3-day event on the site. In addition, key representatives of this sport were present, as well, in addition to Elvis Fatovic, Dejan Savic Serbian, Ivica Tucak Croatian, Alessandro Campagna Italian, Ratko Rudic Brazilian, Jesus Martin Spanish and Tamás Märcz Hungarian head coach attended the event. They will all have to return to Budapest for the 17th FINA World Championships this summer. (Similarly to Theodoris Vlachos, who is the coach of Final Six participant, Olympiacos and the Greek national team as well.)
Regarding the results: the first day saw the victory of Hungarian championships silver medallist ZF-Eger against AN Brescia (6-4), while the winner of last year, Jug Dubrovnik defeated Greek Olympiacos decisively (11-8) in a battle similar to that of the final in 2016.
Quite surprisingly the Italian Pro Recco was defeated by Dubrovnik (10-9) in the semi-finals, while in the battle by the Hungarian teams Szolnok Dózsa-Közgép beat Eger (7-5) in a great combat – in the match for the 5th place Brescia won against Olympiacos 8-5.
In the bronze match on Saturday Pro Recco was beyond doubt far stronger than Eger (15-6), in the final Szolnok excelled Jug Dubrovnik in front of 10 000 fans marking the greatest success in the history of Szolnok.
„I was all smiles at the end because it was a great fight and it was an awesome game for all of us. The organising, the pool and Hungarians’ love for sport is fascinating and it will sure be the same at the World Champs in summer. I congratulate everyone who was involved in the organising” – said the Brazilian, Felipe Perrone, adding that he has to miss the World Champs for personal reasons.
„Our defence was the best, this was the key to winning the Champions League. The arena was fascinating, together with the fans and the conduct of the event. I myself will return in summer, our goal with the French team will be to make it to the top 8 and we are going to work hard for it in the upcoming period” – said Ugo Crousillat, the French player of the winning team, Szolnok.
The Danube Arena has therefore made its debut and it was more than promising, regarding the World Championships of summer.
Tightening security at major international events in Hungary a priority, says minister
Budapest, May 25 (MTI) – Hungary does not need to raise the terrorist threat level in the wake of the Manchester attack, but tightening security measures at upcoming major international events that attract large numbers of people will be a priority, the interior minister said on Thursday.
These events include the 2017 FINA World Aquatics Championships on July 14-30, the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix on July 28-30 and the Sziget Festival on August 9-16, Sándor Pintér told reporters after his hearing before parliament’s national security committee.
The Manchester bombing proves that the threat of terrorism has not eased but rather increased in Europe, the minister said.
Hungary is in “a lucky situation” because its strict measures against illegal migration have prevented the entry of people intending to carry out terrorist acts, he said.
Speaking after the hearing of the national security committee, the committee’s (Socialist) head Zsolt Molnár proposed preparing an information package to be given to Hungarians and foreign visitors to events such as the Grand Prix that require a high level of security. They should be fully informed of necessary security measures in a way that does not create panic, he said.
The Manchester attacks “crossed another line” by targeting young people, Molnar said.
Hungary is a “transit country as far as terrorism is concerned”, he said, adding that he has asked the interior ministry to lobby at the upcoming EU and NATO summits for the establishment of an international intelligence agency to help collect and share information among the member states.
The Socialist politician also noted that the visa application procedure and fast-tracked citizenship had been abused and he asked the interior minister to investigate these procedures and regulate them more strictly.
Molnár warned of the dangers of disinformation and hybrid warfare, saying that Hungary was among the victims of these phenomena. To preserve the country’s sovereignty, disinformation warfare should be countered forcefully and steps should be taken against disinformation originating from any country, including Russia, he said.
Ádám Mirkóczki, the committee’s member delegated by the opposition Jobbik party, said he agreed with Molnár that greater defences were needed to combat disinformation.
Bernadett Szél of green opposition party LMP called for boosting cyber defences and informing Hungarian citizens about the related steps.
Szilárd Németh of ruling Fidesz said that an extra 100 billion forints (EUR 324.8m) has been set aside in next year’s budget for counter-terrorism, crime prevention and public law and order schemes.
Photo: MTI/EPA/Georgi Licovski
National roadshow launched to promote the 17th FINA World Championships
The national roadshow launched by Bp2017 World Championship Organising and Managing Nonprofit LLC. on 19 May in Aréna Pláza Budapest aimed at promoting the 17th FINA World Championships in July and features spectacular installations, exciting prize games and renowned athletes. In addition to several sites in the capital Győr, Pécs, Szeged, Debrecen and the World Champs hosting city Balatonfüred are among the stations of the promotional campaign.
Bp2017 World Championship Organising and Managing Nonprofit LLC. has launched a 10-station national roadshow prior to the 17th FINA World Championships kicking off on 14 July. The campaign involving 5 sites in the capital city and 5 in the countryside is intended to promote the World Championships and related aquatic sport through renowned athletes and modern, interactive games. At the first station in Aréna Pláza Olympic champion long course swimmer Éva Risztov presented the gadgets available for anyone to try at the stations of the campaign.
These games and gadgets include for instance a virtual high diving simulator by which players can experience the excitement and feeling of standing on a 27m platform. The game takes players to the high diving venue of the 2017 World Champs by 3D images, noises and environmental effects.
Roadshow stations offer a special opportunity to participate in a swimming race with the help of Xbox Kinect. In the game players may compete with world class swimmers by imitating swimming movements and strokes and their virtual character executes them. There is dual player mode, as well, so players may compete against each other.
Visitors may also test their knowledge about the World Championships with the help of a quiz, in addition, visitors may try what it is like to learn a series of synchronised swimming movements with this memory game-like test. Finally, the water polo simulation game allows players to test their velocity.
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17th FINA roadshow stations:
19-20-21 May 2017 Budapest, Aréna Pláza
25-26-27 May 2017 Budapest, Danube Arena (Final 6)
28 May 2017 Budapest, Budapest Family Summit – Family Festival Day (Hungarofest)
2-3-4 June 2017 Budapest, Mammut Shopping Mall
6-7-8 June 2017 Budapest, Duna Pláza
9-10-11 June 2017 Győr, Árkád
16-17-18 June 2017 Pécs, Árkád
23-24-25 June 2017 Szeged, Árkád
30 June 2017 – 1-2 July 2017 Debrecen Pláza
7-8-9 July 2017 Balatonfüred, Blue Ribbon Sailing Race
14 July 2017 – 20 August 2017 Market Street
10 steps for the Hungarian women’s water polo team before the World Championships
European champion, Olympic 4th placed Hungarian women’s water polo team has started preparing for the 17th FINA World Championships in Somorja, Slovakia.
One of the favourite teams of women’s water polo tournament is that of the Hungarian which gained European champion title in Belgrade last January and played bronze final at the Rio Olympics (finally Russia finished third).
In Kazan, 2015 the team finished 9th. This summer the teams aims at gaining a medal. Their way to 16 July, the beginning of the World Championships features the following milestones.
1. Announcing the extended roster
Head coach Attila Bíró announced the names of those 18 players who will start preparing for the tournament. The newly announced roster contains only one player who played in the former world champion team. She is Orsolya Takács and she played in the team gaining world champion title in Montreal, 2005. Members of the team claiming gold last year at the European Championships in Belgrade will all play this summer except for Hanna Kisteleki.
2. First stage of direct preparation for the World Champs
Different from previous practice preparations for the World Championships were started in the week of 15 May in the fully-equipped X-Bionic Sport Center (appropriate for 26 Olympic disciplines) in Somorja, Slovakia instead of Budapest. During the first days the girls has some interesting as well as challenging moments: in addition to light programmes, such as beach volley in the morning, cycling tour or movie watching in the cinema the schedule features a huge amount of swimming training as well.
The national team is preparing in Somorja for a whole week.
3. Players from the USA join, a week on the „Island”
Anna Illés and Dóra Antal will return from the USA in the second week. The girls attending Berkeley will return to Hungary after 9 months. Although the 50m pool of Hajós Alfréd Swimming Stadium and the grandstands are being prepared for the World Championships the national team will prepare in Széchy pool on Margaret Island.
5. First Chinese week– a tournament of 8 teams
The team will spend the first days of June in China. In addition to training the team will enter an 8-team tournament. The United States, Russia, the Netherlands, China, as well as Australia, Hungary, Greece and Japan are included in the two groups of the tournament in Kunshan.
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6. Second Chinese week – World League Super Final
The Hungarian team was the first one in Europe to qualify for the World League Super Final where it will play Australia, Canada and China in group matches. The tournament in Shanghai will take place between 6 and 11 June.
7. Back to home, three weeks in Budapest then announcing the roster
Works will be continued in light of newly gained experience, it is expected that Attila Bíró will announce the final roster of 13 at the end of this stage.
8. International tournament in Miskolctapolca with strong teams
Hungary will play Olympic champion title holder US team, 4th placed Australian team and New Zealand at the Vodafone Cup in Miskolctapolca from 5 and 7 July, directly before the World Championships.
9. Trainings with the USA in Eger
Preparations will be continued with the world champion title holder USA in Bitskey pool in Eger.
10. World Championships commence in Hajós Alfréd Swimming Stadium
The 17th FINA World Championships women’s tournament will commence on 16 July on Margaret Island. The Hungarian national team will first play against Japan, further opponents include the Netherlands and France in the group.
Budapest to shine blue again in honour of the FINA World Championships – PHOTOS
Chain Bridge, the Danube Arena and the Palace of Arts were illuminated blue exactly two months ahead of the greatest sporting event in the history of Hungary.
The 17th FINA World Championships will commence on 14 July, for this reason on 14 April iconic monument, Chain Bridge was illuminated the shade of blue matching FINA design elements and the World Championships.
A month later, on 14 May in addition to Chain Bridge the Danube Arena, key venue of the World Championships built in record time, turned blue, moreover, the Palace of Arts joined the initiative, as well.
The Danube Arena
Palace of Arts
Monuments will be illuminated again on 14 June, one month prior to the opening ceremony of the World Championships.
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Photo credit: József Szaka
Főtaxi is promoting the 17th FINA World Championships
Have a ride with Lili and Lali. From now on cars of the major national sponsor of the 17th FINA World Championships, Főtaxi will be decorated with the mascots of the World Championships. Dávid and Evelyn Verrasztó, key members of the Hungarian swimmer team have contributed to decorating one of the cars.
Another milestone is to remind us of the fact that the 17th FINA World Championships (taking place from 14 July to 30 July) are approaching. The cars of Főtaxi promoting the event have appeared in the streets of the Hungarian capital. The new look of the company’s vehicle fleet has debuted.
Taxis are decorated with the image elements of the World Champs, they promote the event with the two mascots, Lili and Lali in the focus.
World Championships silver medallist and two-time European champion, Dávid Verrasztó joined by his sister, two-time European champion Evelyn cooperated in decorating one of the taxis. Staff involved in organising the World Championships have expressed their gratitude to Főtaxi for providing high quality services.
„Bp2017 World Championship Organising and Managing Nonprofit LLC is pleased to have partnership with a reliable company of the most extensive history in the field. It is great help for us. Many thanks to Főtaxi for contributing to the successful conduct of the World Championships as the major national sponsor” – said Miklós Borsa, spokesman of Bp2017 LLC.
„The staff of Főtaxi will definitely be busy regarding that we expect about 350 000 visitors for the World Champs, one quarter of them will be foreigners. Similarly to the case of ticket purchase we recommend using official platforms, so in the case of travelling it is therefore suggested that fans, future sport enthusiast visitors use the services of Főtaxi. The bonnet of yellow taxis is decorated with the promotional sticker of the World Championships so these cars are easily recognizable. In addition, unlike other vehicles these promotional cars have access to World Championships venues due to the sponsorship.”
Besides offering services to tourists and fans taxis will play an important role during the 17th Masters World Championships, as well. The Organising Committee expects 12-15 thousand athletes attending the event and since there will be no dedicated bus and public transport services for athletes in this case, the use of taxis will increase significantly.
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‘It was a great honour for us to become the official transport service provider and major sponsor of the FINA World Championships to be held in Budapest this summer. We believe that as the largest taxi service provider in Hungary we can guarantee safe and smooth transportation of passengers of large numbers thanks to our 1100 cars. At the same time, this extended fleet offers a great opportunity to promote FINA in Hungary prior to the Championships – said András Vízy, spokesman of Főtaxi.
Budapest2017 – Water polo: head coach of Hungary to announce preliminary roster for women’s team
Press release – Attila Bíró head coach of the women’s national team hosting the 17th FINA World Championships announced the names of those 18 players who will be involved in the preparations for the World Championships.
Six members of the UVSE champion team feature the preliminary roster of the Hungarian team which finished 9th after playing the Netherlands, Japan and France in Kazan, then they claimed European Champion title in Beograd and were ranked 4th in Rio.
Three goalkeepers will be involved in the preps for the world championships under the leadership of Attila Bíró. The roster includes Dóra Antal and Anna Illés, who study and play water polo in the US. The roster includes Dorottya Szilágyi and Gréta Gurisatti from the team of Dunaújváros in addition to previous key members but Rebecca Parkes – invited specifically for the world championships, experienced played, Barbara Bujka and Orsolya Takács will also be participating in the preparatory training.
The team will begin preparations on 15 May in Somorja, then they will train in Budapest and fly to China. There they will participate in the World League Super Final between 6 and 11 June. The Hungarian Federation is conducting an international tournament in Miskolctapolca featuring the American, Australian and New Zealander teams, too.
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Extended WCH roster of the women’s team:
Goalkeepers: Flóra Bolonyai (BVSC), Edina Gangl (UVSE), Orsolya Kasó (Dunaújváros)
Field players: Dóra Antal (Berkeley, US), Barbara Bujka (Szeged), Dóra Czigány (UVSE), Dóra Csabai (UVSE), Anna Illés (Berkeley, US), Krisztina Garda (Dunaújváros), Gréta Gurisatti (Dunaújváros), Rita Keszthelyi (UVSE), Kata Menczinger (Dunaújváros), Rebecca Parkes (Eger), Noémi Somhegyi (Dunaújváros), Dorottya Szilágyi (Dunaújváros), Gabriella Szücs (UVSE), Orsolya Takács (BVSC), Ildikó Tóth (UVSE)
Women’s teams at the World Championships:
Group A: Italy, Brazil, Canada, China
Group B: New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, USA
Group C: Japan, Netherlands, Hungary, France
Group D: Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Greece
World Championships group matches by the Hungarian team:
Sunday, 16 July:
8.10. p.m.: Japan-Hungary
Tuesday, 18 July:
8.10. p.m.: France-Hungary
Thursday, 20 July:
8.10. p.m.: Netherlands-Hungary
Photo: FINA – Budapest2017
FINA Aquatics World Championships, the biggest ever sports event hosted by Hungary, kicks off July 14
“All preparations are moving forward according to schedule seventy-three days ahead of the start of the FINA Aquatics World Championships, the biggest ever sports event hosted by Hungary”, Minister of National Development and Chairman of the Organising Committee Miklós Seszták announced at a press conference at which he provided detailed information on the tasks and costs.
The Minister of National Development said the organising costs of the World Championships were 32.9 billion forints (EUR 70M), to which must be added the international swimming federation’s royalties, making a grand total of 38.6 billion forints for the organisation and management of the games. This also includes costs such as providing accommodation for athletes, sports officials, and VIPs, the maintenance and operation of sports facilities, doping tests, ticket sales and production costs, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
Mr. Seszták added that the value of the facilities developed for the championships approaches 92 billion forints (EUR 295M), highlighting the fact that the vast majority of development projects (some 85 billion forints’ worth) would have been realised even in Hungary were not hosting the World Championships, meaning these only counts indirectly towards the costs of hosting the competition. Such projects include the reconstruction of the Pest Lower Embankment and Margaret Island, or the renovation of the Dagály Baths, as well as the reconstruction of the Hajós, Széchy and Császár-Komjádi swimming pool complexes. The largest project was the Danube Arena and its related costs, totalling 41.637 billion forints.
The Minister told reporters that the Organising Committee was counting on around 7-10 billion forints in revenues, not including the expected income derived from fans and athletes who will be coming to Hungary to attend the competition (hotel and catering industry revenues, etc.). Mr. Seszták indicated that this figure was so “conservative” because the aim was to organise a “family friendly” World Championships with ticket prices that are hoped will mean full houses at every single final. The image value that the World Championships represent for Hungary cannot be expressed in figures, he added.
On the subject of transport, the Minister highlighted a few key issues, such as the fact that traffic diversions on and around Batthyány Square on the Buda Lower Embankment, the site of the high diving competition, will only be in effect during the competitions themselves. He noted that fan zones would be established on Margaret Island, and in view of the fact that public transport from the Island is relatively complicated, the Committee was considering launching a ferry service to transport fans to the Danube Arena.
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This will be the first time that the Danube is expected to play a major role in transport with relation to a sports event, and a large number of boats will be commuting between the various competition locations and Budapest’s more important sites.
The Minister also reacted to earlier reports in the Hungarian press, explaining that the management of the Danube Arena has been in place since 21 February, and the organising Committee will be taking over this task on 1 July and going into “World Championships mode”. On the subject of the hotel situation, the Minister of National Development said that hotel demand on the part of the FINA Aquatics World Championships and the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix could be satisfied, meaning that in contrast to earlier reports this will also not pose a problem.
The 17th FINA Aquatics World Championships will be held in Budapest and Balatonfüred on 14-30 July.
Photo: MTI
Hotels in Budapest filling with visitors of FINA World Championships
Rooms are running out for the Championships. Occupancy of hotels in Budapest doubled for July compared to last year, states Magyar Idők.
Hotels in Budapest receive many bookings for the time of the FINA water sport world cup: accommodation will be 25-30 percent more expensive than in the main season.
During the season of city visits, Budapest’s tourist commerce is going favorably: the traffic of hotels exceeded last year’s data in March and April, and it seems to continue in May as well.
Less than two and a half months are left until the water sports world championship, for which the room bookings from abroad have already began: interested people seek 4-5 star hotels depending on their financial status, but houses and alternative types of accommodations are also popular during this period, as Tamás Flesch told Magyar Idők.
Several hundred thousand visitors are expected during the championship
The vice president of the Association of Hungarian Hotels and Restaurants said that there are still free accommodations in Budapest from the middle of July. Average room prices are 25-30 percent higher than in a usual summer season due to the international championship.
It might seem more expensive for travelers than the usual prices in Budapest, but they should consider that in comparison to the region, we are still under the average prices of Vienna, said the vice president, stating that hotels need to raise prices in order to be effective parts of the salary improvement, which hinders the most critical problem in the branch: the moving of workforce.
As he claimed, currently half of the rooms in Budapest are booked for the more than two week-long water sports world cup, and they are already full for the day of the Formula One Grand Prix.
“In July and August, tourist traffic is quite heavy in Budapest anyway, and it is significantly enhanced by the upcoming sporting events,” said the associate representative. He told that this year will be determined by sporting events: Along with Budapest, Győr and its surroundings can expect heavy traffic during the European Youth Olympic Festival at the end of July, and also during the judo world championship in August.
“According to our most recent data, the number of bookings in Budapest has already doubled for between 14th and 30th July compared to last year,” told marketing manager of Szallas.hu Judit Drávai-Mészáros said that there are still accommodations left for the time of the FINA world cup in Budapest and near the venues of the competition, as the hotels haven’t shut down the booking opportunities yet.
She added that there is great interest for the water sports world cup in Balatonfüred. According to the most recent records of Szallas.hu, it is the fourth among the ten most visited Hungarian cities; the number of bookings has increased by roughly 38 percent compared to last July.
“There are also free rooms left in Balatonfüred for the time of the world cup, 75 percent of the local capacity is still unoccupied,” noted Judit Drávai-Mészáros.
The water sports world cup in summer is the third greatest sporting event after the olympics and the FIFA World Cup, and the host FINA is expecting 700,000 visitors for the masters contests following it in August.
Financial manager of water sporting world cup and government commissioner Balázs Fürjes noted that several hundred thousand people are expected for the championship, but the accommodation capacity of Budapest can handle the pressure.
Ce: bm
Popular dishes of the Lake Balaton region
Lake Balaton will be one of the central venues of the 17th FINA World Championships and the FINA World Masters Championships, since the open water swimming events will be held in Balatonfüred. Thousands of guests are going to visit the city and its surroundings, and they will have the opportunity to get to know the best dishes of the region. Let us recommend 10 typical dishes one should definitely not miss when visiting the region.
Jókai bean soup
The great Hungarian author Mór Jókai loved Balatonfüred, he had a mansion in the city, where he wrote one of his most famous novels The Man with the Golden Touch. Jókai used to visit the best restaurants of Füred, and his favourite food was bean soup with pettitoes. The soup which was named after him, however, is not exactly like the one he liked to eat: classic Jókai bean soup contains pettitoes and sour cream as well.
Bakony-style betyár (rascal) soup
The dishes of the Bakony (a mountain north of the Lake Balaton) can be found in the menu card of most restaurants of the region. People who visit Hungary would usually like to try the famous goulash soup first, and this is one of its variations. The secret of the Bakony-style betyar soup lies in the veal which is savoured by smoked bacon, mushroom, different kinds of vegetables and a little bit of dill. Jóska Sobri, the famous rascal of the Bakony would love it!
Balaton-style fish soup
It goes without saying that fish soup is one of the typical dishes in the region. The Balaton-style fish soup contains a lot of different kinds of fish such as carp, catfish, crucian carp, seabream or brown bullhead, creating a delicious dish. Red and green paprika, potato, onion and garlic are all vital ingredients as well, if you prefer spicy foods, you can also add some hot paprika.
Roast zander
Zander is a very popular species of fish in the Lake Balaton region, it is a must try! It can be made in many different ways, but the best choice is to ask for a fine roast zander in a restaurant. A little bit of salt, flour, red paprika and some cooking oil: that is all you need to prepare this beutiful dish.
Balaton-style breaded carp
Hungarian families traditionally eat breaded carp on Christmas Eve, but if you visit the Lake Balaton region, you should not miss it at any time! It is very tipical of the Balaton area. Just like the roast zander you do not need too many ingredients to prepare it, all you have to do is to sit in a pleasant restaurant and decide which garnish you choose with the fish: rice, French fries or potato salad with mayonnaise.
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Betyár-style paprika mouton
The betyár (rascal) cult has great tradition in Hungary, with some special dishes related to it. Betyár-style paprika mouton is available mostly in restaurants of the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Mouton, onion, red paprika, sour cream are all important ingredients, but the secret lies in dry red wine. You can drink a glass of that as well of course!
Pheasant with Hungarian salsa
You can find a whale of animal species in the region, which are typical in this area. For those who prefer to eat pinionists, local restaurants offer some really great dishes, like pheasant with Hungarian salsa. The latter is a traditional Hungarian food, which can be served with well done pheasant, it tastes really good!
Csáky-style filled sirloin
Sándor Csáky was a famous chef at the beginning of the 20th century in Balatonfüred, with many amazing foods attached to his name. The most famous and at the same time the most simple one is a sirloin filled with Hungarian eggy salsa, served with sour cream and paprika sauce, which is one of the most popular dishes around Lake Balaton as well as in other prestigious restaurants of Hungary.[1]
“Swan”
We do not mean the lovely charming bird typical of Lake Balaton: you must not eat it because it is a protected bird. “Swan” is the name of a delicious dessert, which is a variation of cream bun in the shape of a swan. Perfect choice for a date!
Lángos
Lángos is not the most complicated food in the world, on the contrary, but if you are hungry, it is the best choice to quell, and it belongs to the real Balaton feeling! You can buy it in small buffets ashore and in high-standard restaurants as well. Lángos can be eaten with many different toppings like sour cream and cheese, ketchup and cheese, sausage or cabbage. Do not miss it!
Hungarian gastronomy success in US: New York loves the Hungarian lángos – VIDEO