NEWS

The successes of the athletes and their coaches prove that there is no barrier to human potential when there is perseverance, ambition and support, the president says

 

Head of State Iliana Iotova awarded the President's Honorary Plaque to the Bulgarian athletes from the World Championships for Athletes with Down Syndrome, which were held under her patronage. At a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall of the presidential institution, the Head of State presented the award for the worthy performance and the medals won, as well as for an exceptional contribution to the promotion of the values of sport and the strength of the human spirit. The honorary plaque was received by team captain Radena Angelova, who presented the Head of State with a set of medals in gratitude for the patronage received.

 

Nearly 400 athletes from 27 countries participated in the World Championships for Athletes with Down Syndrome. Bulgaria was represented by 20 athletes in all five disciplines – athletics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, tennis and table tennis. Bulgarian athletes won 27 medals – 12 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze.

 

Iliana Iotova emphasised the successful organisation and the categorical results of our country at the World Championships. According to her, the competition has become a triumph of the courage, bravery and perseverance of our national athletes. Bulgaria's glory is already spreading throughout the world, the head of state pointed out and noted the good communication of our athletes with foreign teams.

 

In her speech during the ceremony, Iotova noted that the Coat of Arms Hall of the presidential institution is even brighter when it is illuminated by the broad smiles of the "sunny children" of Bulgaria. In her words, with their high sporting achievements, they have already become heroes of the country. The head of state wished our athletes to continue to engage in sports, which have already taught them to be persistent, strong and to overcome themselves in order to climb the ladder of honour.

 

The President thanked the coaches of athletes with Down syndrome for their efforts, as they have instilled in our athletes the self-confidence of true champions and have decorated them with dozens of gold, silver and bronze medals. With everything you do, you tell all of us that there is no barrier to human potential, as long as there is perseverance, desire, ambition and a lot of daily help, Iotova said. The Head of State also highlighted the daily efforts and support of the parents of the "sunny" athletes.

 

The head of state expressed gratitude to the chairman of the Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (FAFA), Slav Petkov, for the care that he and his team take for the preparation and self-confidence of Bulgarian athletes. Thanks to your efforts, our athletes are true patriots who proudly listen to the anthem and wave the Bulgarian tricolour when they win, the president said. Emphasising the support of Bulgaria's great athletes, among whom is the Bulgarian tennis player Cecil Karatancheva, who attended the ceremony.

 

Before the ceremony, the head of state spoke with the leadership of the Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.