An extraordinary team - Hungarian Special Olympians took their oath at Sándor Palace

With a solemn oath-taking ceremony, the Hungarian Special Olympics Team set off for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. At the touching event held at Sándor Palace, President Tamás Sulyok welcomed the nine athletes and their eleven chaperones, acknowledging their perseverance and determination.

The Head of State stressed that being an Olympian and representing the country is an exceptional honour, which the members of the team have earned through hard work. The President also said that true victory is not only measured in medals, but also in the fact that athletes bring out the best in themselves and inspire others.

Tamás Sulyok assured the athletes of his support and wished them to enjoy every moment of the competition. "Show the world that true greatness requires not only strength but also a big heart," the Head of State concluded.

Lajos Lengyel, President of the Hungarian Special Olympics Federation, emphasized that the Hungarian team, although small, is extremely strong and will represent the country at the Torino and Sestriere competitions with dignity and excellence. The athletes will compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, speed skating and figure skating, proving that the power of determination and community knows no limits.

At the ceremony, the athletes took an oath, which was recited with the participation of former ice hockey goal keeper Levente Szuper and snow runner Vivien Hajnalka Kollarics.

At the end of the event, all participants held hands in a huge circle and listened to the anthem of the Special Olympians, demonstrating the far-reaching power of community and unity.