Always Needing Goals
Since regular exercise has been part of his life since childhood, and sports still play a major role in his daily life, it is not surprising that, as a politician, he says that through the events of the Region of Sport programs, we can work together for a healthier life and enjoy the joy of exercise more often. Péter Ovádi, known as a member of the National Assembly and a government commissioner, played soccer in his youth, and still has his youth football card, and although he will be running his third marathon next year, he is currently focusing primarily on his gym training. Because, as he says, he always needs goals, as without them, life is not worth living.
"I think I was quite active even as a small child, but I remember clearly that soccer was my first love in sports,"
says our Veszprém County Constituency 1 representative of the National Assembly, the government commissioner responsible for the development and implementation of the animal protection action plan. Until the age of 12, Péter Ovádi was a member of VFC USE, where his coach, László Sikos, usually played him as a right winger. He taught him to love sport and to respect others. During that time, he made many friends who are still by his side today—some of whom he even works with. One of them is Péter Szöllőskei, who used to play with the Ajka team in NB II and is now the sports director of the Vehir-Veszprém Futsal Club.
"With my talented teams, we traveled all over the country and and we had many successes, to which I was perhaps able to contribute, because if nothing else, my teammates could rely on my speed,"
Péter Ovádi notes cheerfully, now the social president of the futsal club, which is celebrating a championship title this year and brings together more than two hundred youth players. In his younger years, he played table tennis and tennis, and he also took part in Muay Thai training sessions.
"When I was admitted to Vetési High School, it became increasingly difficult to balance sports and studies, so I left VFC USE, but by then I had become so infected with the sport that it has stayed with me to this day. It has also taught me that we depend on each other and can only be successful together. That's why it's important to pay attention to others, and in team sports, camaraderie is especially important."
Since then, the MP has not only pursued this hobby, but has also become something of an "omnivore" in his limited free time: he enjoys watching sports programs on television, from curling to Formula 1 to handball - the range of broadcasts that can be watched on the device is wide. Football, of course, has a special place in his heart. As a Juventus fan, he mainly sympathizes with the Italian league, but he also pays attention to the domestic top flight. He has not played in the Veszprém small-field soccer league for a year and a half, as he is unable to find the time alongside his government commissioner duties. Recently, he has only played once for the Parliament team, in a friendly match against Turkey.
Anyone who follows the politician's social media page can see that from time to time he puts on his sneakers and completes smaller or bigger tasks with his friends in our neighborhood.
"Thirteen years ago, I made a bet with one of my friends because I thought my fitness level would allow me to complete the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, where participants swim 1.9 kilometers, cycle 90 kilometers, and then "top it off" with a half marathon. It soon became clear that I had made a hasty decision, as I had to prepare for the challenge. During my first swimming training session in Balatonfűzfő, my friend János Oroszlán noticed that I wasn't really comfortable in the water, and I remember him saying: "It will be difficult, but we'll figure it out somehow," he said, teaching me to swim better than I had before the competition,"
he says. Then, among other things, he "checked off" the competition in the saddle of the road bike he had just bought, and it dawned on him that hard work can take you far. Running is the part of triathlon that he still does regularly today, and he has fallen so in love with it that he has even completed marathons. He is not particularly proud of his debut in Vienna, mainly because of his time, but in 2024 in Seville, he was much faster and shaved 34 minutes off his previous time. I am surprised to hear that in recent months he has only been running once a week, covering at least ten kilometers, because he has been preferring gym workouts for some time now. This is also because his trainer, Roland Holik, told him that if he runs too much, he will "lose" the muscle he has gained. He now visits the gym four times a week, and his previous functional training provides a good foundation for these exercises.
"That's why I want to start training for a marathon again at the beginning of next year, which means that running will soon become a more intense part of my life again. I definitely want to compete in Berlin—to further improve my personal record—and I haven't given up on my dream of completing an Ironman solo, one of the most difficult triathlon challenges in the world, which I have already completed in a relay. If it happens next year, I will be able to complete two marathon distances. Yes, I always need goals. All my life, I have been fascinated by people who work tirelessly to achieve their dreams, seeing opportunities instead of obstacles. I find this attitude inspiring. I try to do the same in my everyday life, whether it's work or sports."
"Of course, I also have to pay attention to my diet, as this is one of the foundations of the results. I eat vegetables and fruits, and I don't neglect my protein intake, but it's difficult because I'm often invited to places where delicious treats are lined up on the tables. I admit that I can't resist cake, which means that I still have some issues with my diet. At the same time, I am generally satisfied with my weight and shape, but I can only achieve this with a lot of exercise. Whenever possible, I walk to places in Veszprém and Budapest that don't necessarily require a car,"
he stresses, and as I learn from him, he tries to pass on his athletic lifestyle to his two kids. The older one, Máté, plays table tennis and futsal, while his younger brother, Gergő, is "only" into school sports. They also attend the home games of our national team, which are uplifting moments for their father when he can sing the national anthem with his loved ones before the starting whistle. During our conversation, we naturally also discuss the Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 program, in connection with which he emphasizes: "This is not about sports, but rather about the love of movement." The aim of the program is not only to help organize events, but also to make the joy of movement part of everyday life. The sports initiative builds bridges between communities, brings different generations together, and supports those who want to do something for their health and the development of our region.
"Our region has already proven that it has a place in the cultural landscape of the continent, and now it is time to show what we are capable of this in sports as well. I believe it is important to make people aware that exercise helps us most of all. After all, it is good for so many things: it relieves stress, prevents illness, and also provides relaxation. When we exercise, it only has positive effects. You don't have to think about big things here: just walking from one bus stop to another is enough to sneak some exercise into our daily routine. We are counting on all segments of society to help us achieve this goal. We want to provide everyone with all kinds of support to achieve this. For example, if you start exercising, you will only have positive experiences. The value of the program will really become apparent when someone becomes fitter, their blood pressure stabilizes, or they recognize certain problems in time. In short, together with sports, we can work towards a healthier life."
Author: Ferenc Király
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