Budapest 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee Formed

The Budapest2024 bid took a significant step forward today as the city’s Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee was formally established at a meeting in the Hungarian Parliament. The formation of the Bid Committee represents the final stage in a preparatory process that will see Budapest deliver the first of three submissions to the International Olympic Committee next month as part of the re-modelled 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games bid process.

The Budapest2024 Bid Committee will also be known as "The Guardians of the Olympic Bid" and will be responsible for giving strategic direction, monitoring and reviewing progress and promoting the Budapest Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid inside and outside Hungary. The Committee was appointed by László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, following consultations with the Mayor of Budapest and the President of the Hungarian NOC, and will bring together prominent figures from the world of Hungarian sport, from business and from public life.

The Committee will be chaired by Pál Schmitt, former President of Hungary, Olympic champion and IOC Member. Other members include Presidents of the Hungarian National Olympic Committee, Hungarian Canoe and Swimming Federations and Judit Polgár, the world-renowned Chess Grand Master, and Pál Szekeres, Olympic and Paralympic Fencing medallist. Balázs Fürjes also joins the Committee as Chairman of the Budapest2024 Bid.

Speaking as the Committee formed on 14 January, Pál Schmitt said, "I am delighted that we have today launched the Budapest2024 Bid Committee. This marks a decisive step in Hungary’s bid to stage the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As ‘Guardians of the Bid’, it is our role to ensure that Budapest2024 truly reflects our collective commitment to the values of Olympism."

The composition of the Committee also reflected the strong support for the Bid from across Hungarian society. Balázs Fürjes, Bid President, said, "The breadth of talent on the Committee is a true reflection of the support that we enjoy across the spectrum in Hungary and will be a great resource for us as we move forward into the Bid process."

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