The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences opened its new academic year at a ceremony held on August 29, 2011 at the Faculty’s ceremony hall, which filled to capacity.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Dr. Miklós Réthelyi, Minister of National Resources. In his address, he contended that sport in Hungary represents an untapped reserve of power; but while 39 percent of European Union citizens follow active lifestyles, only nine percent of Hungarians do. Hungary must catch up to the EU, we must become an athletic nation, the Ministry Leader declared.
Minister Réthelyi – a former rector of Semmelweis University – stressed that sport has a stimulating effect on the economy, improves people’s overall health and strengthens the country’s competitiveness as well. As he related, the government is treating sport as a prioritised strategic area, and not just competitive sport, but regular physical activity as well, which must become part of people’s daily lives. He told the first-year students that he is counting on their perseverance and commitment in helping Hungary become a healthier and stronger nation. Without the healing power of sport, it is impossible to have a strong Europe and a strong Hungary, he said.
After taking the solemn oath, the first-year students were addressed by Dean Miklós Tóth, who encouraged them not to go easy on themselves, but to learn as much as possible in the coming years. He reminded students that their new institution is a “Research University”, a distinction which puts it among the top five universities in Hungary.
Dean Tóth stated that the cheapest and most effective cure for the numerous maladies which plague Hungarian society is exercise. This shall be the new students’ mission and, if they work hard, then generations of people will live better quality lives all across the country, he said.
The ceremony closed with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Faculty’s recently deceased members: Dr. János Mészáros, professor; Dr. László Nádori, former vice-rector; Dr. Mihály Nyerges, former dean; Dr. Ferdinánd Tarnawa, former head of department; and János Zöld, associate professor emeritus.
Szilvia Tóth
(Translated by Gina Gönczi)
