Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1995-10-01 / 2. szám
1995 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES WHAT A FABULOUS EXPERIENCE By Dean Tarsi Having been involved for several years with both local and state Olympics (a few days annually) I was excited and “concerned” with the large scope of time, people and finances needed to be part of the 1995 World Games. Our first local meeting was held June 24, 1994 and a small group of people (6-8) attended which was very disheartening. We assumed that Naugatuck would be assigned Portugal due to its percentage of populatioa Again excitement and concern reigned when Hungary became our country of which most of us knew very little. LETS LOOK AT THE MAP! The challenge continued thru summer and early fall to assemble the resources of people and funds to host our Hungarian guests. Also a knowledge and understanding of their culture and needs became a priority. Much to our surprise our committee was honored to have several citizens of Hungarian descent join our ranks. WHAT A RELIEF! Fall turned to winter and our efforts were slow but deliberate trying to publicize our program and its needs. Two turning points were a Valentine Dance in February 1995, which showed the support of the Naugatuck community, and a Hungarian fundraising dinner which brought key elements together most successfully. Winter became spring and all was going well as a group of now 25-30 people were involved. In the first half of June the Library organized the Hungarian Days. Several exibits, history, embroidery and artifacts were presented along with lecture, slides, and folk dancers. By June of 1995 approximately $20,000 had been raised (we still can’t believe it) and “everyone” was growing more excited by the minute. We were still nervous but the excitement was now the dominating emotion. At this point for us June 26, the arriving of the Hungarian Delegation could not come fast enough. The countless meetings, phone calls, letters and activities now had a meaning. Would our plans, activities and accommodations be worthy for our honored guests? WE’LL FIND OUT SHORTLY! Six members of the Host town Committee went to New York to meet the flight from Hungary. All arrived safely, part of the delegation a day before on Sunday. Then there was some nervousness about the bus, but the problem was not with the delay of the transportation. LANGUAGE WAS THE PROBLEM. We did have 4 committee members who spoke Hungarian and our arrival at St. Mary’s Church hall with police escort and church bells ringing was great. Little did the group on the bus know that the rain had started a small flood in the church basement. BE FLEXIBLE! - was the trademark of the whole host town Olympic program. After a fine ziti and meatball dinner, a few speeches, and a general getting to know you, we transported our guests to Howard Johnson’s to settle in. We started to know them, they were very friendly, they smoke a lot and love coffee and cola. The highlite on Tuesday, June 27, was a concert on the Naugatuck Green. About 700 people attended to welcome our guests. Eva Csepregi from Hungary sang for us. During the preparation time we had learned what a great heritage the Hungarian people have, and now we are experiencing first hand their love and friendliness. We also learned how to say good morning - Yo Da Geld (jo reggelt, editor). Gifts were exchanged and they all joined in the disco dancing. Two athletes, Phyllis and Búbba were a hit. On Wednesday we all went to Wallingford where the Hungarian Community Club invited us for dinner. We enjoyed the food and every minute of it It seems like time is going by too fast The walking tour on Thursday stirred up Naugatuck. People stopped to say hi, horns were beeping and a big sign was hanging in front of the Town Hall. We had a huge picnic at Hop Brook Lake. Sadness became mixed into our fim. It became apparent that time is fast approaching to say good-bye. At six o’clock the buses arrived to take, what feels like our family to New Haven for the games. Marty, many tears were shed and a prayer was said for their safety and success. Somehow THIS CAN’T BE THE END! On Friday it was like the bottom fell out After 14 months of preparation and actually 5 days with the delegation, now we had nothing to do. There was nobody to be followed to breakfast, lunch, practice or arty thing. This was when Lou Grella, cochairman suggested that we all take a ride to Quinnipiac College where the delegation is staying. So we did. There we bumped into some of our friends, ft was difficult to tell who was happier to see each other. I know I felt great. They made us feel so special - we were hooked. It was 4:00 AM when we got home from the opening ceremonies. It was a joy to see our friend march in. Both of us were waiving flags and then we heard a chant NAU-GA-TUCK. How rewarding. We followed the games and we were proud of how they tried in the competitions and how trilled they were winning a medal. For the July 4-th fireworks we brought the delegation back to Naugatuck. The crowd a thousand strong became greatly excited and there was a standing ovation for the Hungarian delegation. The people were truly roaring with excitement, naturally tears started to flow. The DJ announced the team and played disco while the crowd continues to cheer. WHAT A TRIBUTE! A very emotional moment for all. Then at the closing ceremonies of the games Eva Csepregi sang and a huge dance party developed on the Yale Bowl field. I thought I could stay there forever. There was a feeling of love all around. On July 10 was our last evening together at Quinnipiac College. It was hard to say the final good-bye. It was a sad moment. This whole experience changed my perspective of life and its priorities. The head of the delegation, Janos Wisinger and I are trying to say thanks to all who made this experience possible for us. But what ever we could say doesn’t seem to be enough. We would like to continue. So we are making plans to have a trip to Hungary and stay involved with the Special Olympic movement. ********* Final thoughts: We all have moments of joy and sadness within the family. These feeling with the Olympic spirit are different. The interaction of love with the Host Town Committee for over a year, and the Naugatuck and Hungarian communities was wonderful. Mostly the feeling of appreciation and love with our Hungarian Delegation for even the smallest act of kindness in such a short period of time was overwhelming. They became family, not just friends. Memories of this experience will always be a major joyous highlite in my life. ********* Thank you to everyone for being part of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. PAGE 3
