As they explained, in continuation of many years of successful co-operation between them, they would organise the traditional Vodafone Cup between July 9-11, which will be the last significant, multi-day preparation exercise for the Hungarian national men’s water polo team ahead of the World Aquatics Championship in Kazan.

As well as Hungary, defender of the ‘world champion’ title, the teams of Italy, Spain and Australia will also play matches at the Vodafone Cup, at the Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool on Margaret Island.

Dénes Kemény, President of the Hungarian Water Polo Federation highlighted the key role of sponsors, as they provide the stable background upon which water polo is built. With the 2017 Budapest World Aquatics Championship approaching, the President praised the work of sponsors and the importance of their support.

Vodafone Hungary has been a dedicated supporter of Hungarian water polo since 2007, recalled György Beck, adding that Vodafone is pleased and feels honoured by being able to support a successful sport such as water polo. Water polo conveys values that are also key to Vodafone, such as team spirit, respecting your opponent, striving for victory and fair play.

The President of Vodafone believes that both water polo, the most successful Hungarian team sport and Vodafone are made truly successful by creativity, dynamism, smartness and thinking for the long term.

It is in the spirit of the latter that, via the federation, Vodafone supports the work of not only the men’s and women’s national teams, but also the junior team, the key to future success.

Since 2007, Hungarian water polo has been able to celebrate one Olympic champion title (2008), one world champion award (2013) and one silver and two bronze medals in the European championships (in 2014 and 2008/2012, respectively) for the men’s team; as well as one bronze medal in the world championship (2013), and two bronze medals in European championships (in 2012 and 2014) for the women’s team, along with a number of awards for the junior team, for both girls and boys, including a silver medal in the year 2012 Junior World Championship held in Perth, as well as a junior world champion title for boys and a bronze medal for girls in the year 2014 Junior World Championship.

At the same time Vodafone also launched a number of new features and developments on the Hungarian market. Vodafone built up a mobile broadband network offering 98.4% coverage nation-wide, and through the Red packages introduced in the autumn of 2012 it was the first operator to offer unlimited calls and messaging. In April this year it revolutionised roaming services through the introduction of Red Roaming EU packages, which allow subscribers to use their mobile phones across most of Europe as if they were at home.

The Vodafone Cup organised on Margaret Island will be the last significant, multi-day challenge for the Hungarian national men’s water polo team ahead of the world championship kicking off in Russia at the end of July. Head Coach Tibor Benedek will be able to test his team’s progress with the preparation on the opening day of July 9th, against Australia.

On the second day of this traditional tournament it will be Spain’s turn, while on the closing day of July 11th the Hungarian national team, defender of the world champion title, will play against Italy at the Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool.
In addition to beach water polo matches, on Saturday water polo fans will also be able to watch a match between the National Women’s Team of Hungary and Australia, also preparing for the Aquatics Championship in Kazan.

Detailed programme of the 5th Vodafone Cup:

9 July 2015 (Thursday)
National Men’s Teams:
17:30 Spain - Italy
19:30 Hungary - Australia

10 July 2015 (Friday)
National Men’s Teams:
17:30 Australia - Italy
19:30 Hungary - Spain

11 July 2015 (Saturday)
12:00 Beach water polo final
13:00 Match between National Women’s Teams: Hungary - Australia
14:30 Children’s match: Battle between the regions
16:00 Match by the Under-21 National Men’s Team

National Men’s Teams:
17:30 Australia – Spain
19:30 Hungary – Italy

Source: Vodafone.hu