Budapest will hold an Urban Games next month, which has been inspired by the bid to secure the hosting rights for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Bid Committee has announced.
According to insidethegames.biz, the event, set to feature five sports - cycling, table tennis, four-a-side football, running and longboarding - has the backing of both the City of Budapest and Budapest 2024 and is due to be held on October 1.
It is aimed primarily at youngsters, with professionals and amateurs expected to compete across the various sports, which will take place at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and venues.
Cycling will begin at the Freedom Statue, Budapest’s symbol of independence and one of the elements of the Budapest 2024 logo, while table tennis and football will be staged at the iconic 19th century Klauzál Square Market.
Budapest 2024 hope the Urban Games, launched with less than a year to go until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elects its chosen host city for the event at its Session in Lima on September 13, will help generate enthusiasm for the bid among the city’s youngsters.
Balázs Fürjes, chairman of the Bid Committee, claims the competition, which will be supported by “several” Olympic and world champion athletes from Hungary, will provide a legacy for the city “whatever the outcome of the vote”.
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