Kraneevo. As the spring sea breeze swept the shores of Northern Black Sea, a remarkable event unfolded inside the "Black Sea Ice Arena." The fifth and celebratory edition of the international competition, "Black Sea Ice Cup 2026," brought together the elite of figure skating from three continents. 288 skaters from 19 countries, ranging from exotic Australia to traditional schools of Italy and the Netherlands, transformed the ice into a stage of pure grace and indomitable athletic spirit.

Today, Kraneevo stands as a global sports capital, but this is not just a stroke of luck. It's the story of a bold dream that began 17 years ago – a belief that Bulgaria deserved to be a center of the highest athletic achievements.

The Beginning: From the Coast to the Olympic Spark

Everything began in the distant year 2009. Amid the tranquility of the coastline, the foundation was laid for something new and unknown to the country. The vision of the investor unfolded into two massive complexes that now form Kraneevo’s international sports hub.

The first pillar is the sports and hotel complex "Aqua Life" – a formidable base with 1500 beds and two Olympic-size pools. The second key part of this ecosystem is the "Termo Eco" complex. Here lie some of the most modern facilities: a professional ice rink, a third Olympic pool, and a football field measuring 65 by 45 meters.

The first shovel of earth was not just the start of a building but the birth of a cause. Everything started with the Olympic pools, constructed with the professionalism of "Express Garantion" and "Aquatek," owned by the Vely family. Their crystal-clear waters still reflect the ambitions of thousands of young swimmers.

It is worth noting that this massive project was entirely a private initiative, without any support from municipalities or the state. Everything seen today is the fruit of a clear vision and concept, implemented step by step with personal funds and unwavering confidence in the success and professionalism of the executors who completed the projects with quality and in remarkably short periods.

Over the years, the complex has grown like a living organism. Construction was completed in unusually short periods, something only the synergy between "Express Garantion" and "Aquatek" could achieve. Four hotels have been completely transformed to accommodate 1500 athletes, becoming their second home during intensive training camps. Volleyball halls of impressive height, arenas for combat sports, and basketball courts followed. Every corner is imbued with the emotion of victory and the toil of hard work – from the choreography halls where ballet and fly yoga finesse is born to the football field, echoing with the cries of future champions.

In addition, all facilities are certified by FIFA, UEFA, and ITF, offering year-round sports conditions.

The Paradox: Ice by the Waves

Yet, the most surprising part of this story is the ice rink. Many ask, "How is it possible to have perfect ice in a small seaside town far from the mountains, in the height of spring?"

The secret lies in a brilliant energy symbiosis. The enormous amount of water in the complex’s Olympic pool needs to be warm and welcoming. On the other hand, the process of cooling and creating ice releases a vast amount of heat, which is then used to heat the pool. This innovative approach makes it possible to maintain perfect ice conditions throughout the year.