Grigor Dimitrov
US sporting goods giant Nike released tennis shoes with the colours of the Bulgarian flag. The company is the sponsor of the Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov; this was the reason for Nike to come up with the idea for sports shoes in white, green and red. It is expected that the trainers will be worn by Dimitrov during his next tournament.
Images: Internet
The new sport complex is presently under construction
A new swimming complex with facilities for sport, recreation and rehabilitation is under construction currently in Veliko Tarnovo; as part of the complex there will also be a physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians’ office. This information was published in yesterday’s issue of Borba Newspaper. The sports grounds will be accommodated in the no-longer functioning building of the former Radio & Electronics High School. The site will be used for also for training and to host competitions. The place is currently undergoing major renovation and is expected to start operating at the beginning of the summer.
The new sports complex will be called Radio and will have span over 1895 sqm. It will also feature an indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a hall for handball, volleyball and basketball. The internal swimming pool measures 25 by 12 meters and is also fit for competitions. The outdoor one will be available for mass sports and outdoor recreation. The renovated swimming complex will also have several playgrounds for other sports.
Images: Borba Newspaper
The ice rink
An open air ice rink covering 400 sqm is now operating in Veliko Tarnovo. It opened doors on December, 9th. The facility is set up in the parking lot at the northern entrance of Ivaylo Town Stadium. Last year the ice skating rink was placed in front of Vasil Levski Palace of Culture and Sports.
The owner of the rink keeps the good tradition he established and children from orphanages in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality skate for free. The fee for pupils and students is 3 leva per hour and for adults – 4 leva. A pair of skates can be rented for 2 leva per hour.
There are 250 pairs of skates available, ranging from size 27 to size 47. Also there will be free lessons for those who are not confident in their skating skills.
Images: Internet
The area of the former ice rink and training grounds in Veliko Tarnovo, which are located west of Ivaylo Stadium will be transformed into a modern sports complex. The project was developed by the team of the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo Daniel Panov. A new football pitch will be set up according to the plats and it will feature artificial turf, lighting and stands. There will also be a second, smaller field with natural grass, with sectors for shot put, javelin, discus and hammer, and a small running track.
The municipality will apply for project funding under the Regions in Growth Operational Programme. Veliko Tarnovo may receive additional financing for the project under the Development of Sports Infrastructure Programme of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The old capital of Bulgaria holds the leading position in terms of state funding for new projects.
Images: Internet
The statue of Valchan Voyvoda
A monument of the legendary Valchan Voyvoda (military commanders of Slavic populations) was officially open last Saturday in the village of Rayuvtsi in Elena Balkans. This is the only monument of the famous haydutin (a romanticised hero figure who steals from, and leads his fighters into battle against the Ottoman Empire). The memorial statue is full-length and made of white stone; it towers over Yovkovtsi Reservoir at Valchova Polyana (meadow). Valchan is one of the most famous Bulgarian rebels who devoted 80 years of his life to revel activity. All the money which Valchan Voyvoda obtained was given away for the liberation of Bulgaria and education of the Bulgarian population. He was born on January 7th, 1775 and died on March 23rd, 1879 at the age of 104.