Bulgarian Minister of Youth and Sports Encho Keriazov marked Sports Day on May 17 at the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski." He participated in the official opening of the children's athletics tournament "Go! Kids!," organized by the Bulgarian Athletics Federation and "Priority Sport." Over 500 children, aged 5 to 16, competed in the event.
The celebration also included the participation of NSA rector Prof. Krasimir Petrov and President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee Vesela Letcheva.
"There is no better way to celebrate this holiday than to be among our youngest competitors, amidst their energy, smiles, and genuine joy in sports," Minister Keriazov said.
He emphasized that children are the future of Bulgarian sports and congratulated the organizers for their efforts in promoting children's sports. "Thank you to the coaches and parents who believe in the children, support them, and help them follow their dreams," added Keriazov.
The official guests started the competitions and awarded the winners in various disciplines. The day also included visits to other sports events at the NSA campus, such as a national championship in field hockey for under-16 players and an open tennis lesson.
Later, the minister took part in the celebration of Sports Day at the Olympic Educational Center of NSA with the participation of students and pupils. "Places like these are exceptionally important because they remind us that every great achievement stands on history, knowledge, hard work, and values that we need to preserve and pass on to the next generations. Thank you for choosing to engage in sports," Keriazov stated.
Before the sports events, Minister Keriazov held a meeting with Prof. Krasimir Petrov, Vesela Letcheva, and representatives of BOC and NSA. They discussed the role of sports in the health and development of young people, the need for tighter partnership between institutions, and investments in coaching staff, technology, and modern education. The participants agreed that sport should be a sustainable public priority.
What a fantastic celebration of youth and sport! It's amazing to see so much support for the next generation of athletes. But why is there still so much focus on adult sports over developing these young talents? Let's keep pushing for more investment in youth sports programs!