site.btaFIG President Morinari Watanabe Opens Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe officially opened the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia on Saturday at Arena 8888.

In his address, Watanabe noted that "spring flowers are already blooming in Sofia" and compared them to the athletes competing in the event, expressing hope that peace will prevail soon and that sport can contribute to it. He began his speech in Bulgarian.

Among the official guests were caretaker Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev, Deputy Minister Daniela Dasheva, Sofia Deputy Mayor for Education and Urban Development Desislava Zhelyazkova, FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee President Noha Abou Shabana, Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation President Krasimir Dunev, FIG Technical Committee Vice President Isabell Sawade, FIG Technical Committee Vice President and Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Vice President Maria Petrova, technical delegate Gyozal Muminova of Uzbekistan, and Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation President Iliana Raeva.

Minister Iliev praised Bulgaria's strong tradition in rhythmic gymnastics and thanked the organizers for the excellent preparation of the event, wishing success to all participants.