Submitted by Ágnes Mideczki, Head of Communications – BNI Budapest

Hungarian BNI members are rejoicing.

A 30-year old Hungarian sportsman and BNI member, Gabor Rackonczay, has set a world record as the first man to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a canoe--and he did it in just sixty days.

He arrived in Antigua on March 26, 2012, twenty days prior to his planned arrival date.  His 25-foot-long canoe, nicknamed "Vitez," which means "valiant" in Hungarian, was specially designed for the 3,500-mile crossing.  Rakonczay is no stranger to transatlantic crossings, having rowed across the ocean with his wife four years ago.

Wowed by the couple's commitment, Hungarian BNI members decided to help Rackonczay in his efforts to achieve his dream.  This meant more than simply fundraising for the journey, BNI members' businesses helped in many ways, providing a broad variety of services and products.  Givers Gain has--again--proved to be very powerful.

A celebrity in an instant, he has been captured by the press in pictures beside his BNI canoe.  The expedition's press event took place at the Hungarian BNI center on April 5, 2012 and below are some links to resulting online news pieces.

The Telegraph

Royal Canoe Club

Daily Mail

On behalf of the entire organization, a huge congratulations to Gabor Rackonczay on setting a new world record! 

And, to the BNI members who supported him--what a wonderful way to show the world the power of  the Givers Gain philosophy . . . Well done!