Olympians and paralympians for volunteers – inspiring roundtable discussion at the Hungarian University of Sports Science

On Wednesday evening, 9 April, the Athens Hall of the Hungarian University of Sports Sciences hosted a special event: a roundtable discussion entitled “Olympians and Paralympians for Volunteers.” The event was organised by the university’s Volunteer and Sustainability Office, as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.

The aim of the event was to bring together prominent figures from Hungarian sporting life and the enthusiastic sports lovers who contribute to the success of sporting events through their voluntary work every day.

The discussion was attended by around 80 volunteers and moderated by Réka Völgyesi, a first-year handball coaching student, and Tamás Tóth, a first-year sports management student. After introducing the guests, the more than an hour-long, rich and engaging discussion began.

Distinguished athletes such as two-time Paralympic champion Luca Ekler, Paralympic triathlete Petra Lévay, Olympic silver medallist fencer Krisztián Rabb, Olympic rower Bendegúz Péterváry-Molnár, and the President of the Sports Committee of the Hungarian Olympic Committee shared their experiences. The event was also honoured by the presence of Dr Balázs Fürjes, Hungarian member of the International Olympic Committee, who suggested that the volunteers of the 2023 World Athletics Championships be nominated for the International Fair Play Award.

The discussion covered what it’s like to participate in the Olympics or Paralympics, the highs and lows of Olympic preparation, and the vital role of volunteers in athletes’ lives. All the guests agreed on the importance of volunteers in ensuring athletes feel supported and comfortable, both on and off the field. Many recalled how the kindness or helpfulness of a volunteer had left a lasting memory. The guests emphasised that Hungarian volunteers are particularly committed and helpful, performing their roles with exceptional enthusiasm, care, and professionalism, often surpassing international standards.

Each athlete shared a personal story highlighting how a volunteer made a significant or memorable impact on their journey offering not only practical help, but often emotional support on challenging or unforgettable race days.

Dr Balázs Fürjes also shared his thoughts on the possibility of hosting a future Olympics in Hungary. He highlighted that such an event would be an unparalleled experience for both athletes and the public. He stressed the social and sporting importance of a home Olympics, while also acknowledging the serious professional and logistical challenges such an undertaking would pose, requiring thorough planning and both national and international cooperation.

A particularly emotional part of the evening came when the guests described the moment they realised they had qualified for the Olympics or Paralympics, a defining moment not only in their sporting careers but in their lives as well.

At the end of the event, attendees had the opportunity to ask the guests questions. The evening concluded with a photo session and autograph signing with the Olympians and volunteers.

14 Apr 2025