The Hungarian Government is contributing direct funding of 280 million forints (EUR 907,000) to the 2014 European Water Polo Championships, Minister of State for Sports István Simicskó said at a press conference on Wednesday. The championship starts in Budapest on 13 July.

Mr. Simicskó said that hosting this prestigious event shows once again that Hungary is fully capable of organising international-level competitions and expressed his hope that the European Championships will satisfy fans of the sport.

Dénes Kemény, Chairman of the Hungarian Water Polo Federation said the funding was provided in addition to the one million euros received for marketing rights, which was obtained through a state-guaranteed loan. He said the renovation of the main venue, the Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium, will start next month.

Co-chairman of the organising committee György Beck dispelled rumours that the best seats had already been sold, adding that ticket sales are proceeding according to a pre-determined schedule and that the organisers are also considering adding two mobile grandstands, should there be a need for them.

At the press conference, the organisers unveiled the EC’s mascot – a yellow frog – and announced that the championship’s official website is now on line.

(Ministry of Human Resources)