WUC Modern Pentathlon opens in Hungary

BUDAPEST — For the first time in FISU history, the historic sport of Modern Pentathlon joins the international university sport movement as the opening ceremonies to the World University Modern Pentathlon Championships opened Tuesday at the five-discipline event venue at the National University of Public Service and Hungarian University Sports Federation in Hungary’s capital city.

In traditional FISU style, the event began with an opening ceremony highlighted by the introduction of the competing nations and the playing of the Hungarian national anthem.

Following the anthem, Dr. Gabor Kovács, police brigadier general and vice rector for education of the National University of Public Service and Prof. Dr. Ádám Kiss, President of the Hungarian University Sports Federation, began the officially proceedings with their welcome speech.

In their talk with the athletes, they highlighted Hungary’s efforts to enhancing the university sport experience on campus.

Thereafter FISU Executive Committee Member Hilkka Pöyhönen took over emcee duties before she invited Laszlo Fabian, Sport Director of the Hungarian NOC and Olympic champion, on the stage to declare the Championship open.

Following the declaration the flag of the FISU was raised and the FISU Anthem, the Gaudeamus Igitur was heard by the public.

The official program was closed by the oaths of the athletes and the judges which were presented by Gábor Brázda, for the Team Hungary, and Tünde Szeles for the officials. The competitors in their oath promised that they will respect the rules, they will compete without doping and without drugs in the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.

The judges promised that they will officiate in the World University Championship with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules. The opening  ceremony came to a rousing end with a dance performance titled “The Dance Ensemble and Band for Living Culture” was performed under the watchful choreographic eye of Attila Tókos, a Harangozó Award winning dance artist.