Varna, on the Black Sea, May 9 (BTA/GNA) – Sports Minister Encho Keryazov officially opened the 10th anniversary edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Varna. The competition at the Palace of Culture and Sports is Keryazov’s first official sporting event since becoming Minister of Youth and Sports.
“It is a great honour for my first official event as minister to be connected with artistic gymnastics. I would like to thank Varna Municipality, the organizers, the Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation and everyone supporting this sport,” Keryazov said at the opening ceremony.
He stressed that sport should be a national priority and a cause embraced by society as a whole.
“Elite sport brings prestige and pride to the nation, but without children practising sport there can be no great champions. That is why institutions, federations, municipalities and sports clubs must work together,” the minister added.
Keryazov also expressed confidence that the World Cup in Varna would continue to grow and attract more athletes and spectators from around the world.
Among the official guests was Yordan Yovchev, chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee and member of parliament.
“For ten years Varna has hosted one of the most important artistic gymnastics competitions. I hope the arena becomes fuller every year, because this sport deserves support,” Yovchev said.
He wished success to all participants and expressed hope that Bulgarian gymnasts would delight home fans with medals.
Also attending the ceremony were Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, regional governor Atanas Mihov, Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation president Krasimir Dunev and representatives of the International Gymnastics Federation.
Special guests included athletes from the Federation for Adapted Physical Activity, led by president Slav Petkov, who are preparing for the World Championship for athletes with Down syndrome, scheduled to take place in Sofia from June 13 to 19.
Performances during the ceremony featured gymnasts coached by Ivan Tsvetkov, Daniel Aleksiev and Irena Karcheva – Emiliyan Kostadinov on floor, Ramonola Sikander on rings and Radena Angelova on beam.
Dancers from ensemble Varna Ensemble also performed during the opening ceremony.
GNA/BTA