European Region of Sport 2026: ACES Europe Jury Visit Veszprém-Balaton Region

The city of Veszprém, in partnership with the Balaton region, is vying for the prestigious title of European Region of Sport 2026. One of the most significant milestones on the road to securing this recognition was the recent visit by the international jury of ACES Europe. During their stay, the delegation explored the region’s key sporting venues and engaged with the communities, professionals and decision-makers behind the bid.

From 15th to 18th July, a four-member delegation from ACES Europe travelled to Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region to assess first-hand the vitality of the local sporting scene, the quality of its infrastructure and the depth of community engagement. The jury, comprising Gian Francesco Lupattelli, President and Founder of ACES Europe; André de Jeu, Director of the Association of Sports and Municipalities; Werner Schleicher, a renowned sports education expert; and Hugo Alonso, Secretary General of ACES Europe visited a diverse range of locations, from Eplény to Veszprém and Balatonfüred, to gain insight into both grassroots and competitive sports opportunities in the area, spanning beach volleyball, ballet and sailing.

Their itinerary included visits to several of the region’s iconic sports facilities: Ski Arena Vibe Park in Eplény, the Veszprém Swimming Complex, the University of Pannonia sports grounds, ActiCity Centre for Dance and Movement Arts and a host of water and outdoor sports venues in Balatonalmádi and Balatonfüred, including Nereus Water Base, Wesselényi Beach, Forrás Sports Park and Kékszalag Port marina. On Thursday, the jury attended a formal presentation held at ActiCity, where they were introduced to the finer details of the bidbook submitted earlier.

The bid preparation was an extensive, collaborative process spanning several months, initiated over a year ago. A series of workshops, strategic consultations and participatory planning involving local sports clubs and civil society organisations has ensured that the application reflects the shared vision and backing of the entire community. Beyond the technical programme, the jury also had the opportunity to meet the principal figures behind the initiative, including Alíz Markovits, CEO of Veszprém–Balaton 2023 JSC. (the organisation leading the bid), Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, Gyula Porga, Mayor of Veszprém, Péter Ovádi, Member of Parliament, and Balázs Kiss, professional adviser for the Region of Sport 2026 bid.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the jury shared their impressions following the two-day visit and the detailed presentation.

Gian Francesco Lupattelli, President of ACES Europe, praised the thoroughness of the bid and the collaborative spirit behind it:

“It is clear how much work and unity underpin this application. The region has successfully fused sport and culture, and the lessons learned during its European Capital of Culture experience are clearly embedded in this excellently prepared bid.”

Mayor Gyula Porga of Veszprém remarked:

“This bid is not merely about securing another title. It is about building a more liveable Veszprém and Bakony-Balaton region, ensuring that more people can experience the joy of movement, regardless of age, gender or physical ability. Realising this vision requires the involvement of everyone. The next step toward success is for local residents to take ownership of this new opportunity.”

The final evaluation by Hugo Alonso, Secretary General of ACES Europe was:

“The Veszprém-Balaton bid captures all the essential aims we associate with this title: namely, increasing the number of active citizens in the region. It presents a robust foundation for being awarded the title.”

On Thursday evening, the jury attended a formal gala dinner hosted at ActiCity Centre for Dance and Movement Arts, where they met further representatives of the economic, civil and political spheres as well as key figures from the regional sporting scene.

During the evening, it was also announced that, on recommendation from Minister Tibor Navracsics, Gian Francesco Lupattelli appointed Alíz Markovits, CEO of Veszprém-Balaton 2023 JSC., as ACES Europe’s official representative in Hungary: a significant gesture that ensures a Hungarian voice will now be included in the evaluation committee.