Dragon Boat Cup in Balatonfüred A Triumph of Team Spirit and Collective Effort

The foundation of dragon boat racing is teamwork, as success depends on how well the team members can row in unison. This experience was also highlighted by Karolina Ficsor, the event’s main organizer, who added that the choice of venue was no accident:

„In a race like this, there are no individual interests—only the team’s interest. Of course, individuality is needed in the boat, but the common goal trumps everything. Those who rowed for the first time quickly got a feel for what it’s like when everyone moves in unison to the rhythm of the coxswain and the drummer. The Balaton Uplands are ideally suited for an event like this, so there was no question: if it’s the Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport, then this competition belongs here.”

The program aligned closely with the Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 vision, which aims to make physical activity and sports a part of everyday life, with a special focus on the general public. Alíz Markovits, CEO of VEB2023 Jsc., emphasized the event’s community-building impact:

“Water sports take center stage during the summer, and the cup was a worthy highlight of this season. It was especially wonderful to see so much collaboration, as well as groups of civilians and friends, out on the water. The competition perfectly embodied what we—namely, that even those who aren’t athletes in their everyday lives could take part in such a community experience.”

The 41 teams participating in the competition were largely consisted of employees from companies and institutions. According to Szilvia Bonyhádi, the European Ambassador for Sport, the event also highlighted the importance of corporate sports:

“This sport symbolizes togetherness. We have to move in unison to a common rhythm, which is a serious challenge, but the team’s internal strength inspires everyone. For me, this day was also about equal opportunity, since the 41 teams at the starting line represented an equal number of companies and organizations. When an employer supports its employees in exercising together, it’s a huge deal. I’m confident that today’s event will inspire many company leaders to expand sports opportunities in the workplace.”