International Conference at NSA and Grand Show Conclude the "Sofia – World Capital of Sports 2024" Initiative

The initiative "Sofia – World Capital of Sports 2024" concluded its campaign symbolically with an impressive international conference at the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski" and a large-scale sports show at the "Asics Arena".

The conference, themed "For Active Green Tourism, Healthy and Sustainable Events," was held in the Conference Hall of the Sports Academy. The forum, under the auspices of UNESCO, Eurosities, and ACES EUROPE, brought together renowned experts in the discussed topics. Part of the academic leadership of NSA was among the guests.

"It is an honor, pleasure, and privilege for the National Sports Academy 'Vasil Levski' to host this forum," stated Rector Prof. Krasimir Petkov, who opened the conference. "I am convinced that we all share common values, but alongside this, it is necessary to continuously turn words into actions. That is why I believe that the upcoming discussions will give new momentum to ideas on how, within the European context, we can pay more attention to nature and the enduring values of life and health. Therefore, I believe that we should always take real steps from which we can expect results. My recommendation for this forum is that something genuine be born from this discussion, which can be applied to people's lives."

Dimitar Shalafov, Chairman of the "Sofia - European Capital of Sports" Foundation and Chair of the Committee for Children, Youth, and Sports of the Sofia Municipality, and Gian Francesco Lupatelli, founder and president of ACES (Association of Sports Cities and Capitals), greeted the participants and wished success to the forum, emphasizing its significance for the development of mass sports and tourism in Europe. A welcoming address from the Minister of Youth and Sports Georgi Glushkov was read, and the participants were also greeted by Olympic champions Tereza Marinova and Stefka Kiryakova.

The moderator of the conference was Prof. Lozan Mitev, Head of the Educational and Olympic Center of NSA. Lecturers from the Academy, Assoc. Prof. Petar Yankov and Assoc. Prof. Veneta Petkova, presented interesting and current presentations on the topics "Training of Sports Educators and Specialists and Their Role in Promoting Ecological and Sustainable Tourism and Active Lifestyles" and "Sports for All," respectively. The forum also included presentations by some of the most active and innovative European cities that have been or are set to become sports capitals: Manchester, Budapest, Erzurum, Tallinn, and Naples.

The conference concluded with discussions on the thematic areas and a summary of the questions raised by the forum as potential future priorities for mass sports and green tourism in Europe.

In the evening, over 1,000 representatives of extreme, gymnastic, martial, and new urban sports, which are prominently featured in the foundation's activities and most popular among young residents and guests of the city, presented a gala show at the packed "Asics Arena". The best in these disciplines performed breathtaking routines that added to the engaging entertainment program. Messages were conveyed to continue the foundation's activities, which over the past 10 years organized 1,048 sports events in Sofia and engaged hundreds of thousands of city residents.

"Without all of you, this would not have been possible. I sincerely thank you for your involvement. We will continue because sports for all is one of the priorities of the Sofia Municipality, and together we will strive to provide city residents and guests with more opportunities for sports, active, and healthy lifestyles," stated Dimitar Shalafov in his emotional address to the participants and audience. Warm words were also shared by Stoyan Andonov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, and Gian Francesco Lupatelli.

The hall erupted in applause when Yordan Yovchev appeared on stage. "I have been with this initiative since the foundation was established 10 years ago. During this time, its messages and activities have reached thousands and won them over to sports. Together with the Sofia Municipality, we have accomplished many significant and beneficial things, and I believe this will continue," Yovchev said.

The continuity in sports was showcased by demonstrative boxing matches by female boxers, students of Olympic champion and NSA "Vasil Levski" instructor Stoyka Krasteva. The "strong-spirited men" from the basketball club "Balkan" also earned prolonged applause with their improvised wheelchair basketball demonstration match.

As the "World Capital of Sports," Sofia will pass the symbolic baton with the flag to its successor, Monaco, during a gala ceremony scheduled for December 12 at the European Parliament in Brussels.