The "Chance Camp" at the HDF NCO Academy, Szentendre has started for the second time. The four-day training for Romani or disadvantaged young people was opened by Maj.-Gen. István Kun Szabó, Deputy State Secretary for Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

"The Hungarian Defence Forces are an institution which focuses on the whole man and human values It is only performance and the work done, talent and acts that counts", said István Kun Szabó at the opening ceremony. He added that there is no excuse which would give us cause for any kind of discrimination, the Hungarian Defence Forces offer a secure career and a predictable future to everybody who wants to work for their country. "Defence of the homeland is a national cause. Those choosing this career path will find themselves in a community where there is camaraderie, team spirit and thirst for action", the major-general said.

The objective of the camp – which started on July 14 – is to give a picture to disadvantaged young men, in the period of seeking their way, of the opportunities the Hungarian Defence Forces can give to them. During the four days, these young people will be provided an insight into the soldiers’ weekdays and can put themselves to tests of physical condition in military life.

Márton Várnai, the Vice-President of the National Roma Self-Government also accompanied the children interested in the Hungarian Defence Forces. In his speech, he said that such events provide Romani and disadvantaged young people with a huge opportunity. "You are here to learn about the inner secrets of the Hungarian Defence Forces and to be able to decide whether you wish to choose this career in the future. I would be pleased to see many of you choosing this predictable and secure career path. Today, this is one of the foremost opportunities", he said.

(Péter Snoj)