According to results of a public opinion poll conducted by IPSOS earlier this month, two thirds of the Hungarian population would be “proud” if Budapest hosted the 2024 Summer Olympic Games while 60 per cent of those questioned would be “happy” if Budapest hosted the Games in 2024.
According to a Budapest 2024 press release results show that with only 29 per cent opposing the idea of a Budapest bid, there is strong support across the country as a whole, not just in Budapest. Results also reveal that commitment is strongest among young people.
Zsolt Borkai, President of the Hunbarian Olympic Committee said, “looking back, our sports men and women claimed 168 medals over the years and placed Hungary 8th on the medal table. Looking forward we will be hosting major sports events such as the 17th FINA World Championships and we were recently awarded European City of Sport in 2019”.
Earlier this month Budapest’s city council narrowly voted to reject any possible referendum over the bid after rival Hamburg’s bid was forced to withdraw when it failed to gain a majority in the German city’s referendum. Then last week Hungarian opposition parties rallied for a new referendum push that could move forward if 140,000 signatures are collected.
Balazs Furjes, Chairman of Budapest 2024 said, “on the eve of the 120th anniversary celebration of the Hungarian National Olympic Committee these results are proof that the nation is truly committed to sport. We are proud of our sporting history and are confident in our ability to deliver a strong and credible bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games”.
Budapest is competing with Los Angeles, Paris and Rome to host the 2024 Games. A winner will be declared September 2017 in Lima, Peru.
