We mobilized thousands of people in the first quarter

The first quarter of 2026 has proven that sports and physical activity can truly bring communities together.

After successful community events of the Year of Preparation (2025), the European Region of Sport program series was officially launched in early 2026. At the opening ceremony on January 30, Veszprém and its 99 partner municipalities officially reaffirmed their commitment to the “Year of Movement,” which was followed by a professional tourism launch event.

On March 21, we held the Challenge Day, during which more than 5,000 participants got active together through the historic city center of Veszprém. Every age group was represented at the event, from the youngest to those over eighty; what’s more, our Olympic champions also joined the program. Although our spectacular world record attempts (such as the 12-hour, 100-meter relay race or the one-legged balancing act) were not successful, the participants’ perseverance and the joy of moving together provided an unforgettable experience.

In early March, they also conquered the city’s iconic, 20-story building was also conquered by lovers of an active lifestyle. In the Run a 20! tower run, firefighters in full protective gear joined amateurs in scaling the stairs.

In addition to sports, health programs and disease prevention also played a central role. In cooperation with the National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK) , a comprehensive Health Screening Roadshow toured the region between January and March. As part of this initiative, more than 1,200 people in 20 towns were able to participate in free screening examinations, which included blood pressure measurement, bone density measurement, and body composition testing (InBody), as well as personalized lifestyle advice.

Sport belongs to everyone—that is our belief in the Region of Sport. In this spirit, we have launched a 30-hour micro-television program for inclusive physical education teachers. Following a period marked by oversubscription, the 28 professionals selected will provide a well-prepared, welcoming environment for athletes with special needs and disabilities who wish to participate in sports. Furthermore, we have begun engaging corporate partners. Under our strategic agreement with Valeo Veszprém, the company will double the number of its workplace wellness retention and sports programs by 2026, thereby supporting physical activity among the working-age population.

In the four categories of our grant program established to support local initiatives (VitálPont, Active Communities, Opportunities in Sports, and Movement Connects), the evaluation of these applications is currently underway. These funds ensure that exercise programs tailored to the needs of the population can be implemented everywhere, from small settlements to urban centers.

All this in numbers:

• Our online event calendar already features 442 events for this year, waiting for those interested.
• The number of online views related to the events and the program has exceeded 1.19 million.
• Over the past period, 244 online and print articles have reported on the region’s sporting successes.

The momentum of the first quarter has proven that the Bakony-Balaton region is ready to become one of Europe’s most dynamic regions. Check out our constantly updated Event Calendar, and let’s get moving together as often as possible this year!