site.btaOver 130 Artistic Gymnasts from 29 Countries Competing at World Challenge Cup in Varna

The 9th edition of FIG World Challenge Cup in Artistic Gymnastics was opened at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna on Saturday. Competing are over 130 athletes from 29 countries.

Among the official guests at the opening ceremony were Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation President Krasimir Dunev and General Secretary Jordan Jovtchev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Stoyan Andonov, as well as two technical delegates to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The cadets from the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna joined the Parade of Nations during the official opening.

In his address, Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev said it is a great honour that Varna hosts such a prestigious competition for another year. "I would like to wish success to all the participants and especially to our ten finalists. I am confident that today and tomorrow [Saturday and Sunday] they will make us proud," Kotsev said.

The World Challenge Cup programme continues until May 11, with the finals taking place over the weekend. Bulgaria is represented by a full team of its best gymnasts, including Olympic finalist Valentina Georgieva and World Cup medalists Eddie Penev, Kevin Penev, Yordan Aleksandrov, and Daniel Trifonov.

The organizer is the Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation, with the support of Varna Municipality. Entry to the Palace of Culture and Sports is free of charge.