Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1996-10-01 / 2. szám
A refugee child of 1956 is an honored guest in i 986 Fond Memories of the Opening Ceremonies in Hungary by Judit Vasmatics Paolini In the bleachers Judy is in the front row , second from left “Naugatuck to Hungary 1996,” these were the words printed above the American and Hunganan Flags as they appeared on our bright red polo shirts. We wore them with blue slacks as we strikingly entered the sports complex at Zanka for the Opening Ceremonies of the European Special Olympics Table Tennis Tournament. The flags symbolized the bonds of friendship between the two groups of people. The seeds of this friendship were sowed during the 1995 Special Olympic World Games when Naugatuck graciously welcomed and generously hosted fifty-six members of the Hungarian Special Olympics last June. The bonds of friendship grew as the people from Naugatuck attended the World Games in New Haven to cheer for the Hungarian athletes their newly acquired friends. Tears followed as it was time to say good-bye. Commitments were made to keep in touch, and many letters were written among fond friends. Then an invitation was received from the Hunganan Special Olympics Committee. And what an honor it was for members of the Naugatuck Host Town Committee to be invited to attend the European Special Olympics Table Tennis Tournament which was hosted by Hungary (May28- June2)! For months both groups were busy making plans for this very exciting event which would be held at Zanka — a youth resort located on the Northern Shores of Lake Balaton.. Finally, the day for which we had been waiting with such anticipation had arrived, and the Opening Ceremonies were underway! We were seated in the stands watching the athletes march into the sports complex. As the athletes entered in their colorful uniforms they were truly splendid. The first team to enter was Austria, Hungary’s neighbor to the West; 1 was happy to see them present and glad that the barriers between the two nations have been removed. I tried to read the signs denoting the country’s name as each team entered. I was truly delighted for all of the participants; they were filled with excitement and beaming with pnde. Being the host nation, Hungary had several cities and towns represented; and 1 was touched as each entered. Then a small group representing BUDAPEST (the city where I was bom) finally appeared; I had been looking for them, and there they were standing before me! 1 felt the bonds of kindredship and waved vigorously. I was seated in the front row and hoped they would notice me. As they were looking at me smiling and waving back I was sure they had. At this point I Page 6 was completely moved to tears. However, I desperately struggled to hold back the tears as I noticed the television cameras filming us—the Americans—watching from the stands, one in particular was profoundly moved! Janos Wisinger, chairman of the Hunganan Special Olympics Committee, gave the welcommg speech. Our group from Naugatuck was introduced as special guests. In turn we presented the Hungarian Special Olympics with the Connecticut Flag and with a letter from Governor Rowland. Then the director of the Central European Special Olympics Mr. Máriusz Damentka spoke a few words and declared the games officially open. As part of the festivities, a gallery depicting pictures taken during the 1995 World Games were on exhibition; it was exciting to see those pictures and to discover that we were in some of them! Also, on exhibition was the history of the table tennis ball; three thousand different tables tennis balls were on display. Dr Viktor Gollesz had an exhibition of sport stamps and those which focused on the cause of the disabled. During a brief ceremony and presentation of speeches which officially opened the gallery to visitors, we were reminded of the accomplishments gamed by the disabled. We were all elated; but we were equally reminded of the work which still lies ahead. We were also reminded that the task belongs to each and everyone of us if we are to succeed. The evening continued with a Gala performance which was hosted by the ever talented Eva Csepregi who is a great supporter of the Hungarian Special Olympics. The RITMUS Dance Ensemble as well as the SOHO Party also entertained and delighted the audience. At times athletes and young volunteers danced in the isles. Needless to say a great time was had by all: athletes, honored guests, coaches and volunteers. It was truly a memorable evening. Later that evening, a VIP reception was held for the honored guests given by Gabor Zongor, Chairman of the Assembly of Veszprém County. The banquet was absolutely lovely; we had the opportunity to meet the Head of other delegations and expand our circle of friends. In addition, we also had a chance to meet Hungarian officials and dignitaries. Suddenly, I found myself people watching; I was quite fascinated by it all. I find it difficult to describe the exhilaration and elation I felt being a guest in Hungary, the country I left as a young child in 1956, I truly marveled at the thought. Who could have ever predicted this moment? As I stop to think about it, 1 realize that TIME, yes, only time has a way of allowing such things to come to pass. I was happy for my fellow Hungarians, for hosting the European Table Tennis Tournament was certainly no small feat. However, through their warm and generous- hospitality they had accomplished the task superbly. I was truly proud to be a Hungarian. /-----------------------------------------------\ Experienced in all phases of TAX and ACCOUNTING Allan Chomortany, CPA FAIRFIELD LOCATION Phone:(203)335-1935
