The delegation of 16-25 would be roughly doubled by the women's ice hockey team's participation.Continue reading
The team to represent Hungary at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in March has taken the oath. The nine competitors and their 11 companions were welcomed by President Tamás Sulyok at the Sándor Palace.
President Sulyok congratulated the athletes who qualified for the event in Italy, saying that being here is already a great achievement because it means that they can fight well and compete fairly. “It does not start today, the fight has been going on for a long time. Today is just one stage of the journey you are on. It is a journey of love of sport, of the joy of sport, of hard work,” he said.
Tamás Sulyok. Photo: MTI/Bruzák Noémi
The president stressed that being an Olympian and representing your country is “a fantastic thing,” and that those present have earned it. He added that the only people who deserve respect are those who can bring out the best in themselves, and “that is what you are doing.”
You have done most of the preparation, now it is time to compete. You are ready,”
said the head of state, adding that he would follow the competitions with excitement and cheer for success, but above all for the athletes to enjoy competing. “Let them show that true greatness does not necessarily require strength, but a big heart.”
Photo: MTI/Bruzák Noémi
Lajos Lengyel, president of the Hungarian Special Olympics Federation, said that Hungary would be taking part with a small but very strong team on March 8-15 in Turin and Sestriere. He added:
Nearly 1,700 athletes from 105 countries will compete at the World Winter Games, with Hungarian athletes competing in alpine skiing, snow skiing, speed skating, and figure skating.
The head of the federation noted that today was a very important day in their lives “because it draws attention to the situation of a social group – people with intellectual and learning disabilities – which has come to the fore, but still needs to be helped.”
Following the welcome speeches, the oath was taken by former national ice hockey captain Levente Szuper and snow runner Hajnalka Vivien Kollarics.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Bruzák Noémi