Organizers have been working hard to deliver a "perfect" FINA World Aquatics Championships this Friday, according to Miklós Seszták, minister for National Development.
Minister Seszták, also the chairman of the organizing committee, highlighted how Hungary prepared to host the competition in record speed after Mexico withdrew, but still managed to pull together a perfect venue.
“We will be working until the very last minute, but these are just the finishing touches. We are providing everything to assure a perfect competition, but it is the athletes who will have to perform," he said.
The FINA World Championships provides Hungary with the opportunity to “show its face”, and everything is in place to ensure Budapest and Balatonfüred host the “most beautiful World Championships with the best atmosphere," he added.
Julio C. Maglione, President of Fédération Internationale de Natation, FINA, said he was sure that the current World Championships would be the greatest in FINA’s history.
“Hungary is one of the most wonderful countries in the world, and Budapest is magical, as are the people who live here”, he declared, praising the welcoming Hungarian hospitality. “An aquatic sport tops the list of Olympic sports in view of the fact that 49 gold medals will be awarded in swimming at the next Olympic Games," he added.
Tamás Gyárfás, FINA vice president, vice president of the Hungarian Olympic Committee and former president of the Hungarian Swimming Association, said “Thank you to everyone”, adding that he hopes the performances and results speak for themselves.