BG

PRIME MINISTER BOYKO BORISSOV MET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS FEDERATION MORINARI WATANABE

12.09.2018

 

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met with the President of the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe. The conversation focused on the government's efforts in support of Bulgarian sport. Prime Minister Borissov underlined that for Bulgaria all three world championships currently held - rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, and rowing, are very importnant because they advertise our country and provide a good role-model for future generations. He highlighted the great support that the Bulgarian government has shown for all sports and added that in recent years the state has invested a lot of funds in the construction of sports infrastructure - 350 million leva. "There was no sports hall in Sofia. Next week the 'Winter Palace' should be ready, which we have repaired. We built Arena Armeec, we renovated 'Festivalna' Hall," commented Borissov. The Prime Minister mentioned as good examples for the government's efforts for Bulgarian sports the multifunctional sports halls in Rousse, Plovdiv, Botevgrad, Slivnitsa, Shumen, and others.

 

The President of the International Federation Morinari Watanabe stressed that he is a good friend of Bulgaria and our rhythmic gymnastics, which are at world-class level. According to him, with the support of the government, the Bulgarian gymnasts will achieve ever more success. "If the Prime Minister gives such support to Bulgarian gymnasts, we are also obliged to support them," said Watanabe.

 

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports Krasen Kralev, the Secretary General of the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Andre Gueisbuhler, Iliana Raeva - President of the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and President of the World Championship Organizing Committee, Vice-President of the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and Ambassador of the World Championship Maria Mihaylova, the General Secretary of the Federation Rosina Atanasova, and the World Championship lucky charm Radina Filipova.

 

Iliana Raeva pointed out that the government and personally Prime Minister Borissov have always supported Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics. "Mr. Borissov was the man who helped us in 2010 to find a sponsor for the first World Cup," she added, also noting that for the organization and conduction of the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in Sofia the government provided 85% of the funds needed.