“This occasion is not only devoted to presenting the awards but also to acknowledging and celebrating the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that our athletes demonstrate each and every day,” said Rector Dr. Béla Merkely in his welcome address. Before thanking the coaches for training the teams, he referred to Semmelweis team members as role models who demonstrate how to balance a passion for studies and sports, adding that their performance in training and competitions served as an inspiration to all of us.
More and more international students are involved in the university’s sporting life, many of whom are about to receive recognition, proving that a most populous and international Semmelweis family knows no borders.
As Kornélia Várszegi, Director of the Physical Education and Sports Center pointed out in her speech, Semmelweis University had significantly improved its aggregate score and had finished fifth at MEFOB, leaving behind 22 universities, including ELTE, the University of Szeged, and the University of Debrecen. This academic year, 17 bronze, 20 silver, and 18 gold medals were collected in 9 sports.
Semmelweis also relaunched an international higher education and senior swimming competition, the Semmelweis Fame Open, a unique initiative to bring the two age groups together in competition, as the director pointed out.
She thanked the athletes and their coaches for their efforts and also expressed her appreciation to all the colleagues supporting the preparation and competition behind the scenes.
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Regular physical activity is not only important for physical health, but also contributes to mental well-being and enriches the community experience, noted Csenge Gecsey, President of the Students’ Union. It is vital to dedicate time to physical activity during the university years, as this period is not only about learning but also about personal growth and establishing a long-term lifestyle, she added. The Medic’s Cup is an outstanding event in the university’s sporting life, which is significant both for the athletes and for the entire university community: It has become a symbol of perseverance, where every student can find their place, either as an athlete or as a fan. “This year has been a challenging one, but one from which we can learn and emerge stronger and more committed; as setbacks make us stronger, inspiring us to fight for our goals with even more determination and passion,” emphasized Csenge Gecsey.
Following the speeches, Dr. Béla Merkely and Kornélia Várszegi presented the awards to the athletes of Semmelweis University for their outstanding performance at the 51st Medic’s Cup and the Hungarian University and College National Championships. Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of the University, presented the Pro Universitate Medal to the team coaches. The newly founded Fair Play Award was presented to the women’s handball team.
- Abdrabu Abdulrhman Ahmed, Faculty of Dentistry (FOK) – men’s football
- Fogarasi Dominic Joseph, Faculty of Medicine (ÁOK) – swimming
- Genevieve Arany-Lao-Kan, ÁOK – swimming
- Ingrid Gravdal, ÁOK – women’s handball, Fair Play Award recipient
- Jafari Ali, Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK) – swimming
- Karimpour Amirata, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GYTK) – swimming
- Kimi Bravo Blanco, ETK – judo
- Kost Lucca, ÁOK – swimming
- Krüger Rufus, ÁOK – swimming
- Kühler Jonathan, ÁOK – swimming
- Ronja Wunram, ÁOK – cheerleading
- Rowshanshad Arian, ÁOK – swimming
- Schütz Constantin, ÁOK – swimming
- Sellaoui Zacherie, ÁOK – swimming
- Walker Natasha, ETK – swimming
- Zimnitzkaya Yana, GYTK – swimming
The award ceremony ended with a reception and informal discussion, after which the winners celebrated at a party organized by the Students’ Union.
Péter Pogrányi
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photos by Bálint Barta – Semmelweis University
