Orban meets Intl Skating Union head in Budapest

Cinquanta spoke highly about Hungarian athletes, highlighting achievements in water polo, fencing and kayak and canoe, Bertalan Havasi said. The ISU president expressed thanks and appreciation for the excellent cooperation ISU has had with the Hungarian partner organisation over the past 23 years. He noted that ISU’s board has selected Hungary to be the host of two of its international events based on the excellent conditions and organisational skills the country offers. Cinquanta highlighted Hungary’s “world-famous hospitality” adding that the ISU regards “Budapest the heart of Europe, to where athletes are as pleased to come as their company.” Orban said the Hungarian government has significantly increased funding for skating which helped the athletes to improve their performance in the recent past. According to ISU’s website, Budapest hosts the 2016 World Synchronized Skating Championships on April 8 and 9, for the second time after 2008. The ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2016 was held in Debrecen in March.