Written by Gábor Deregán
Every year on 14 December, people around the globe mark World Ice Skating Day – now for the fourth consecutive year. The initiative was launched by the International Skating Union (ISU) in 2022. On this special day, skating enthusiasts worldwide come together to celebrate and draw attention to the beauty of this wonderful winter sport.
Ice skating comprises several disciplines, including figure skating, speed skating, short track speed skating, and synchronized skating. World Ice Skating Day (WISD) unites all forms of skating while also highlighting important human values such as conviviality, inclusivity and diversity, accessibility, and fair play.
In Hungary, the central event has for years been organized by the Hungarian National Skating Federation (Hunskate) at the iconic City Park Ice Rink. In 2023, Hunskate received the Best World Ice Skating Day (WISD) Award for its large-scale event at the Budapest venue, which attracted thousands of visitors. As a result, they also had honour to host the main WISD 2024 event, welcoming 4,000 participants.
This year, as in the previous year, ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Hungary were invited to the celebration. Over 100 diplomats and their families registered for the event and attended the Hot Tea Reception. Located near Heroes’ Square and opposite the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, the 12,000 m² outdoor ice rink offers a memorable winter experience.
In her welcome speech, Ms. Orsolya Váradi, Managing Director of Hunskate, thanked the guests for accepting the invitation in such great numbers.
“We are proud to host you here, at this special venue. The City Park Ice Rink is one of the oldest open-air ice rinks in Europe, inaugurated in 1870, and it is the world’s largest continuously operating artificial ice rink. Today’s program includes colourful activities and skating presentations, and I encourage everyone to put on skates and take to the ice. Our coaches are ready to welcome guests, teaching basic steps to beginners and more techniques to experienced skaters.”
Mr. Gábor Deregán, sports diplomat and diplomatic event organizer, highlighted that Hungary won its first-ever Winter Olympic gold medal in skating at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where the men’s short track relay claimed the top spot – two members of that gold-winning team were also present among the guests.
“Alongside major international competitions, Hungary hosts many other international sporting events and recreational sports programs like today’s. We are delighted to showcase and enjoy this unique atmosphere together with you.”
For many guests, it was their first time inside this winter jewel of the city, a place they had long yearned to experience, until then only seen from the outside. “I’ve driven past this place many times and always admired how beautiful it is, but I had never been inside before. That’s why I was so happy to receive the invitation and registered immediately. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” said a diplomat serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Budapest.
One participating ambassador perfectly captured what many others seemed to feel as families gathered, children tested their balance, and new conversations began over steaming cups of tea: “This year has been extremely busy, with delegations, countless events, and constant monitoring of the news. At the end of the year, this is the perfect program – one where I can finally take part together with my family and children. I am truly grateful to the organizers.”
On a day dedicated to skating, the friendly and joyful ambience, enlivened by music, offered a simple yet heartfelt reminder: diplomacy often finds its most human expression in shared laughter, the crisp winter air, and the glide of blades across the ice.
Photos from Hunskate -Blanka Blaskó-Fiák, István Mátyás and Guests
