Seven Hungarian teams from Canada and the United States came together for the 28th Árpád Cup, a weekend of football, family activities and community celebration supported by HEPA Regional Office Canada.
The 28th Árpád Cup brought more than 200 participants to Bramalea Community Park in Brampton. Seven Hungarian teams from Canada and the United States competed in the tournament, continuing a tradition that connects Hungarian communities across North America through sport.
The event opened with the Canadian, American and Hungarian national anthems, followed by remarks from invited guests. Guest of honour Zoltán Gera, former Hungarian national team and Ferencváros footballer, spoke about the power of sport to bring people together. Dr. Barbara Bernhardt, representing the Consulate General of Hungary in Toronto; György Szöllősi, press chief of the Puskás Academy; and Sándor Balla, Executive Director of HEPA Regional Office Canada, also addressed participants.
Football and Family Day
Alongside the matches, families enjoyed children’s activities and outdoor games. Before the final, young football fans had a memorable opportunity to play alongside Zoltán Gera.
Toronto Ferencváros Hungária organized the tournament, creating a weekend where players and families could reconnect with friends and meet members of other Hungarian communities.
Tournament Results and Gala
The weekend concluded with a sports gala and awards dinner celebrating the teams and individual players. Hamilton won the tournament, followed by Fradi Toronto in second place and Niagara Falls in third.
Individual awards went to Tamás Bálint (Best Goalkeeper), Marcus Pusztahegyi (Best Player), Diego Parrague (Top Scorer), Lehel Fabók (Oldest Player), Adalbert Horváth Jr. (Youngest Player) and Zsolt Linkecs (Fair Play).
At the gala, Gera reflected on the importance of preserving Hungarian identity through sport. Szöllősi spoke about Hungarian players and football communities in North America. Journalist Vujity Tvrtko also attended the celebration. Sándor Balla welcomed guests on behalf of HEPA Regional Office Canada, a main sponsor of the event.
HEPA Regional Office Canada was pleased to support the Árpád Cup and the connections it creates among Hungarian communities. We congratulate the winners and thank every team, organizer, volunteer and supporter who contributed to the weekend.
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