'Night of Sports' made hundreds get active in Sofia

"#BeActive - Sofia 2021" lit up the skies over the National Palace of Culture during the European Week of Sports

The space in front of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia has become an area for attractive demonstrations, attracting thousands of guests to the "Sports Village" and "Sports Night". The events culminated in a light show in the sky above the National Palace of Culture. The two events, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, were part of the seventh edition of the #BeActive European Week of Sports from 23 to 30 September 2021.

Another successful edition of the European Night of Sports in Bulgaria

Dozens of Bulgarian sports players in athletics, basketball, wrestling, boxing, rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo, aerobics, handball, arm wrestling, fencing, and sports dancing managed to attract hundreds of young people who took part in the European sporting event.

The night of sports was opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports Andrey Kuzmanov. He noted that the initiative of the European Commission is extremely important because it aims to promote and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Bulgaria was one of 40 countries in Europe to host the fourth edition of the European Night of Sports. For yet another year, more than 30 sports clubs and federations had the opportunity to acquaint those interested in their activities and to attract young people to sports and a healthy lifestyle. Upon his arrival at the Sports Village in front of the National Palace of Culture, Minister Kuzmanov observed demonstrations of rhythmic gymnastics, judo, boxing and arm wrestling.

"In these difficult times for the whole world, in this pandemic situation, I want to thank all the athletes, coaches and activists who take part in the European Week of Sport. I hope that all of you will contribute to the development of sports and physical education in Bulgaria, because sports and health are inextricably linked. I wish everyone good luck. I am opening the Night of Sports," said Minister Andrey Kuzmanov.

He thanked all federations, clubs and guests of the Night of Sport for their participation in the initiatives that are part of the European Week of Sports. Ambassadors of the event were gymnast Boryana Kaleyn and judo player Ivaylo Ivanov, who was with his three-year-old son.

Among the guests was also the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel, who said: "Being active overnight or for a week is a strong signal, but it is not enough. My message is that European Sports Week will give everyone so much energy that it will continue throughout the year."

She and the Minister of Youth and Sports Andrey Kuzmanov watched a training session of the Bulgarian Special Olympics basketball team.

#BeActive is part of the European Commission's initiative to promote sport and physical activity among EU citizens. The national coordinator for Bulgaria is the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while the campaign is co-financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union.