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Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region have been awarded the title of European Region of Sport 2026, the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Zrt. announced on Thursday.
The recognition comes from ACES Europe (European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation), a Brussels-based organization that has been honoring cities, communities, and regions across Europe since 2001, for their achievements in promoting healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and sport. The federation works in cooperation with the European Union’s institutional system.
According to the announcement, the winning Veszprém-Balaton bid was the result of months of preparation, involving local sports clubs, civil organizations, municipalities, and institutions. The initiative aimed not only to secure the title but also to launch a long-term shift in attitudes toward sport and health. Organizers hope it will contribute to healthier lifestyles in the region and reinforce the social and community-building role of sport.
The application was based on core values such as community engagement, inclusion, accessibility, sustainability, and volunteerism. A key goal of the winning project is to increase residents’ physical activity levels while highlighting the joy of movement, the spirit of fair play, the pursuit of success, and social integration.
After the application was submitted, a delegation from ACES Europe visited the region in mid-July. They toured several key locations, including the Eplény Ski Arena Vibe Park, the Veszprém Swimming Arena, the University of Pannonia’s sports facilities, the ActiCity Dance and Movement Arts Center, as well as outdoor and water sports venues in Balatonalmádi and Balatonfüred—such as the Nereus Water Base, Wesselényi Beach, Forrás Sport Park, and the Kékszalag Port.
The award was officially announced in a video message by Veszprém Mayor Gyula Porga, with Péter Ovádi, Member of Parliament for the region, Alíz Markovits, CEO of Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Zrt., and Balázs Kiss, Olympic champion hammer thrower and professional advisor for the project.
The full program of events and related health and sports initiatives for 2026, will be unveiled this autumn.
In parallel with the title bid, the region also submitted an inspirational short film to ACES Europe’s 2025 international video competition. The film focuses on Botond Birnbauer, a para-swimmer from Veszprém, whose story highlights the transformative and inclusive power of sport. The central message of the film is that everyone should have access to the joy of movement and sport, regardless of ability.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Máthé Zoltán