Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1995-10-01 / 2. szám
The vouth of two nations FINAL GOOD-BYE AND DREAMS OF FUTURE By Jennifer Kirdzik Age 14 I’ve always wondered what it would be like to meet people from a country other than mine. Would I be able to communicate (everybody knows a smile and a hug!?), would we get along (they saved me seats and sought me out to say HI!), would they like my home town (they didn't want to leave!), those questions and many more raced through my mind. It turned out to be (see brackets) an experience that I will never forget. It was like that from the opemng ceremomes w here the Hungarians chanted “Naugatuck. Naugatuck” all the way to our heartfelt tears of good-bye. One of the most memorable moments that I spent with these Special Olympians was when they went to say their final good-bye. We knew it would be hard because during the two weeks we spent w ith them, they practically became family In our last hour together we had a "soc-Csaba Repiczki from Diosjeno competed in gymnastics and won the gold in his division I’ll always remember the expression on his face and the heart felt emotions when his name was announced to come up and accept his medal. He walked to the podium with such spint and pnde As the gold medal was placed around his neck, Csaba stood tall, raised his arms high PAGE 8 cer/futbaf match. Naugatuck against Hungary . Some participants weren’t even soccer players, but a good time was had by all. Time and time again we proved that you don’t have to speak the same language to have a great time. After the game they followed us to the car not wanting to say those final good-byes that everyone knew was coming. It was lucky for us that our interpreters from Cheshire showed up because neither our new fnends. Zoli, Eszter. Janos and Zsolt or anv of us wanted to be first to make the move. When we did it was with tight hugs and tearful eyes; not know ing if we would ever see our new fnends again. We exchanged momentums and addresses but how can you say goodbye to someone who now seemed like family9 I will never forget their faces as they headed back to their dorms to pack. Hopefully in the fűmre I w ill be able to go and visit them in their homeland. I hope that the Hunganans got as much out of this expenence as I did. abov e his head in victory and his face lit up for all the world to see. For you to see. This was the moment he had worked so hard for and traveled half way across the globe Csaba has fulfilled his dream of a lifetime He had won the gold!!!! As he kissed his medal and walked off the podium, the goose bumps covered my body The tears of joy streamed dow n my face. Csaba had indeed succeeded and he was rightfully proud of his accomplishments.___________ I have w orked for the Department of Mental Retardation for almost twenty years. I have never experienced anything like the two weeks with the Hunganan athletes. For the little time I gave of myself. I received so much more in return. I consider my self extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity to participate in the 1995 Special Olympic Games as a Host Town Committee member. A VISIT AT A PLACE OF HUNGARIANS By Linda Kata Wallingford is a small town tucked away in a country setting Probably it is known by silver and pewter snutlis. but most likely by the Oakdale Summer Theater. There is a small but active Hunganan community locally and from the surrounding towns. A small and nicely kept Protestant church and the Hunganan Community Hall arc the places w here they gather. The Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford has regular monthly dinners and other social events. The Hunganan Cultural Society of Connecticut organizes their cultural events at this place, also. During the Special Olympics the Community Club had the pleasure of hosting a dinner for the Hunganan Delegation of athletes and support staff. The delegation came from the host town. Naugatuck, by bus. Rudy Krizsan president of the club welcomed them with some introductory remarks. Members of the club all pitched in to prepare a traditional Hunganan meal The home style taste of the dishes helped wet the appetite. Then came the exchange of presents. Rudy after a short speech gav e each member of the delegation a commemorative T-shirt. The olympians presented the members of the club w ith an official "Team Hungary “ competition jersey. The exchange was very heartwarming and emotional for ev ery one. The dinner capped off a week of exciting competition. All volunteers were rew arded for their time at the games by the expressions of joy. and the spirit of competition. If there w as a lesson here, it was that any one who sets their mind towards a goal, can achieve it with 100% effort. This was proven by these special people. Time spent with the Special Olympians created many happy memories for all. We hav e made friends for a lifetime. REACH FOR THE GOLD By Genny Sanangelo As 1 sit here and reflect back on the two weeks I spent w ith the Hungarian Special Olympic Team. 1 can feel the lump in my throat growing and 1 am fighting back the tears. They came here on a mission and that was to compete to their fullest capabilities and bring home the medals Many of them achieved their goal and for those who did not, they were brave in their attemDts
