Fantastic Opening Ceremony

11 September 2010

The Dextro Energy Triathlon Grand Final Budapest kicked-off with the Opening Ceremony on Thursday night.

The Opening Ceremony started with the performance of the Presidance Hungarian dance group, accompanied by rythmic clapping from the audience. The great atmosphere lasted the entire program, followed by representatives from the competing 69 countries, who marched through the podium, waving their flag. Each flag carrying athlete was accompanied by characteristic music of their homeland, as well as a local child carrying the corresponding country’s sign.

Following the Nations’ Parade, Mr. Pál Szekeres, Vice Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Resources greeted the athletes and visitors. „I wish each competitor great weather and atmosphere for the race!” Mr. András Lányi, President of the Hungarian Triathlon Association wished for a successful race from the local organizers to the almost 4000 participants. „It is a great honor to host such a world renowned event! We hope that the Dextro Energy Triathlon World Championship Grand Final Budapest 2010 will be a great experience for all! World Heritage sites along the route might certainly contribute.” Mr. Lányi highlighted that this race would be the first Green Triathlon World Championship, and asked the participants to use the re-usable cups throughout the event to help reduce waste production. He was also pleased to welcome the almost 100 paratriathlon athletes, a new record for the sport of triathlon.
 Mrs. Marisol Casado, the President of the International Triathlon Union followed, thanking the locals and Hungary for hosting athletes from all around the world at such a beautiful environment and then officially opened the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final Budapest 2010. Representing athletes, officials, and coaches, Eszter Dudás, Dr. Béla Varga, and Csaba Kuttor took the official oath.
 Following the official program, athletes and guests enjoyed the now traditional pasta-party. While Zöld Pardon restaurant proved to be a great spot for the event, the festivities did not last long, as many of the athletes compete on Saturday. The first race will be that of the Paratriathletes, who will start at 6:30 AM at the Kopaszi-gát Race Center.

The presidents departed quickly as well, as the world championship delegation attended the Official Reception hosted at the Hungarian House of Parliament by the President of the Republic of Hungary, Dr. Pál Schmitt.

Dr. Schmitt greeted all the attendants, including Dr. Edwin Moses two-time Olympic champion track and field athlete, the ambassador of Laureus, as well as Hungarian athletes and olympians attending the reception, such as Győző Kulcsár, athlete of the Nation, four-time Olympic champion fencer, István (Kokó) Kovács, Olympic champion boxer and Ágnes Kovács, professional tennis player.

Dr. Pál Schmitt emphasized how triathlon is the sport closest to the environment, and asked coaches and leaders of the sport to educate young athletes to respect and protect it. His long-time friendship with Mrs. Marisol Casado, President of the International Triathlon Union has turned the formal event to a friendly and intimate reception.
 Mrs. Cadado greeted the participants, and expressed her great honor to stand at the House of Parliament, and thank the President of the Hungarian Republic for his hospitality and invitation.

András Lányi, President of the Hungarian Triathlon Association thanked the organizers and sponsors who made this event possible, and helped in overcoming the difficulties which arose during the preparations.