Successful 2019 Development Symposium held in Balatonfüred, Hungary

The Hungarian Yachting Association (MVS) welcomed international representatives from the sailing community for World Sailing’s Development Symposium from 1-3 April 2019 in Balatonfüred on the shores of Lake Balaton.

Eleven World Sailing Member National Authorities and representatives from Class Associations and EUROSAF came together to share ideas to develop the sport within their nation.
 
The official welcome to the Development Symposium saw Krisztián Kulcsár, President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB) welcome delegates and talked about the high level of cooperation between the Hungarian National Olympic Committee and the MVS.
 
World Sailing Vice President Nadine Stegenwalner also welcomed all attendees and set the tone for the symposium, explaining that sharing ideas and creating networks would be the key to ensuring development was driven and maintained after the symposium.
 
István Bóka, Mayor of Balatonfüred, also welcomed delegates to ‘the city which is the fortress of Hungarian sailing’ and this role will be strengthened by the upcoming investment in the Hungarian National Sailing Center.
 
Over three days of keynote speeches and thought-provoking discussions, topics such as Developing Connect to Sailing Programmes, strategies to ensure youth development and Performance Pathways were covered to stimulate discussion and encourage MNA’s to explore their own offerings and activities.
 
A key case study at the symposium was the development work Hungary has undertaken. András Holczhauser, CEO of the Hungarian Yachting Association presented on the journey the national governing body has taken with support from Olympic Solidarity funding and World Sailing. Hungary have completed three Technical Courses for Coaches as well as a Development of a National Sport Structure project, implementing their own learn to sail scheme and system of coach qualification. Attending delegates were then encouraged to engage in a question and answer session so uncover just how Hungary had ensured its success.
 
Upon conclusion of the symposium, attendees were asked to identify an area that they had felt inspired to return home and begin work on immediately. Responses differed from implementing a volunteer engagement plan, to exploring Olympic Solidarity funding available and
 
A network from those who attended has also pledged to continue development discussion around the region after the symposium has ended.