I International Symposium "Snow Sports Education in Universities" at NSA

From January 29 to February 1, 2025, the National Sports Academy will organize and host the I International Symposium "Snow Sports Education in Universities." This prestigious forum is held in partnership with the International Association for Education and Science in Snow Sports (IAESS), which is part of the most authoritative global organization for snow sports education – INTERSKI.

The National Sports Academy is represented in the leadership of both organizations by Assoc. Prof. Petar Yankov – Vice President of INTERSKI, Head of the "Snow Sports" Department at NSA, and Assoc. Prof. Krastyo Zgurovski – Member of the IAESS Board of Directors, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Health Care, and Tourism at NSA.

The Sports Academy is the initiator of this first-of-its-kind international symposium, based on an agreement signed in 2022 with IAESS to establish a consortium for implementing key goals and policies of the NSA.

"When we talk about modern sports, it is important to consider the dynamics of development because new technologies have led to reduced physical activity among people. This social function offered by snow sports, along with their appeal, should be utilized to attract more participants. I am confident in the success of the symposium because I know the competence of the participating experts, who, with their expertise and extensive experience, will contribute to the practical value of this scientific forum," emphasized Prof. Krasimir Petkov, Rector of NSA, in his welcome address.

"The resulting dynamic changes present us with challenges and oblige us to focus on the sustainable development of sports. I thank the National Sports Academy for their invaluable assistance and partnership," said IAESS President Dieter Bubek. He presented the Rector of NSA with a certificate in gratitude for the fruitful cooperation and the support of the academic leadership in achieving goals that are priorities for the Association.

The main focus of the symposium is on finding solutions and approaches to attract more students to snow sports, harmonizing educational standards in the training of professional ski instructors and universities, strengthening the connection between theory and practice, and deepening international cooperation for the development of snow sports in the educational system. Special emphasis is also placed on the skills needed for the 21st century.

The forum includes representatives from 10 nations, including lecturers from Bulgarian universities. In addition to the in-person format, the event is also conducted through an online panel to reach as wide an audience of specialists and interested parties as possible.

Immediately before the scientific event, a meeting was held between the academic leadership and IAESS representatives to discuss issues related to the training and qualification of specialists in snow sports. The President of the Association, Dieter Bubek, expressed his gratitude to the National Sports Academy for the partnership and the excellent level of joint initiatives implemented so far, including the large-scale INTERSKI International Congress in Pamporovo and the Balkan Ski Conference.