The first volunteers training session for the 17th FINA World Championships and the 17th Masters World Championships kicked off on April 23, 2017.

More than 8000 people have joined the BP2017 volunteer programme so far, after the selection process about 3500 volunteers will assist the organisers of the World Championships and participating athletes.

The greatest sporting event of all times in Hungary will take place between 14 and 30 July, 201, in Budapest and Balatonfüred. Millions will follow the FINA World Championships and the Masters worldwide.

The 800 volunteers taking part in the first session were welcomed by dr. Tunde Szabo, Minister of State for Sport, who said:

"It has always been clear for us that we are able to unite and face challenges but this time we have the opportunity to prove that nothing is impossible for us and to show what our nation was meant for”

Dr Szabo added that April 23 marked the first day of the preparation programme for volunteers, who wish to be part of this wonderful experience and are eager to pursue active roles within this global event through their assistance and effort.

Tamas Gyarfas, Vice President of the International Swimming Federation said briefly that now he "really feels the Championships are fast approaching."

Lajos Mocsai, Dean of the University of Physical Education (TF), responsible for the organisation and training of volunteers pointed out that -professionalism rather than perfectionism shall be sought. The Dean has emphasised and asked volunteers to understand that they are the real managers in their own areas. Finally, he wished that in the future they would think back to this period as one of the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences in their lives.

BP2017 Executive Director Eva Szanto informed in her presentation that 7000 accredited participants are expected to attend the World Championships between July 14-30, whereas the number of athletes expected to the Masters between August 7-20 August is around 12 000-14 000.

Highly coordinated work by volunteers is a prerequisite for organising the World Championhips efficiently.

Thanks to the recruitment (started last July) and to effective publicity more than 8000 people have registered already, coming from all over the world. About 3500 volunteers will assist organisers and athletes during the Championships. The planning and delivery of volunteer programme by BP2017 is conforming to the methodology of international global tournaments. The online registration platform for volunteers of the BP2017 Volunteer Programme has been available since June 2016 and volunteers joining the programme may choose from 30 areas and 6 disciplines.

The training for volunteers consists of a whole-day of "General Training and Specialised Trainings". The training is obligatory for all volunteers. During the General Training volunteers learn about national and international federations, associations related to the FINA World Championships, the disciplines and venues, the guests and target groups of the event, the code of conduct of the event, international protocol, cultural differences and conflict management.

Organisers have received a lot of positive feedback from the participants of the first training session.

Agota Dorottya Demeter travelled straight from Brussels to the event:

"It was a truly elevating and inspiring experience for me. I believe that those who had any doubts before the training are now convinced that it was worth taking the plunge and start this adventure, as we will become part of something remarkable. Presentations have demonstrated that this team can accomplish the impossible, we can organise and conduct such a great event in half of the usual time.”

The second and third training sessions will take place on April 29-30 in Budapest Kongresszusi Kozpont.