The Bulgarian national volleyball players will be among the special guests at Teodor Salparov's testimonial match "One Career - One Legend", which will take place on September 5th at "Arena 8888" in Sofia. Joining the star-studded company is one of the great figures of world volleyball from the late 90s - Rafael Pascual.
Coach Gianlorenzo Blengini's boys will honor the big event dedicated to Bulgaria's long-time No. 13. The testimonial will also feature a show-clash between Bulgarian and foreign volleyball players, with the legendary Spanish international Rafael Pascual among those who have confirmed their participation.
El Matador returns to Sofia
Pascual, known by the nickname El Matador, was among the most recognizable names in world volleyball at the end of the last and the beginning of the current century.
The Spaniard was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 1998 World Championship in Japan, where he also became the tournament's top scorer. Two years earlier, he won the MVP award at the World League.
Pascual defended Spain's colors at two Olympic Games - Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000.
For the Bulgarian public, his name holds an even more special meaning. At the end of his impressive career, El Matador played for CSKA, where his paths crossed with those of Teodor Salparov.
Now the two will once again be together on the volleyball court, this time in an evening dedicated to the career of the legendary Bulgarian libero.
Aleksandar Vezenkov also comes for Salparov
Salparov's testimonial will be far from an event solely for volleyball people.
One of the biggest stars of Bulgarian sports - Aleksandar Vezenkov - has also confirmed his participation.
The national basketball player and EuroLeague champion will be among the special guests at "Arena 8888".
A big name is also planned for the musical part of the evening - pop star Maria Ilieva will be among the participants.
The testimonial will be broadcast live on bTV
"One Career - One Legend" will be broadcast live on bTV.
The event comes on the eve of the Men's European Volleyball Championship, which Bulgaria is co-hosting.
Thus, the evening of September 5th will become not only a tribute to Teodor Salparov's career, but also a kind of meeting of generations and great names from Bulgarian and world sports.
Tickets for the testimonial are on sale through the networks ofKupibileti.bg, URBO and Eventim.
VIP tickets help "Sunny Children"
The charitable cause of the event also holds a special place in the initiative.
VIP tickets are now on sale, and the proceeds from them will be donated to the "Sunny Children" charitable foundation. Its goal is to build a home for children with special needs.
Holders of a VIP ticket will receive premium seats in close proximity to the playing field, as well as a special bottle of selected wine – a limited edition, created especially for the benefit event in honor of Teodor Salparov.
The package also includes exclusive access to the official afterparty at Ozone Skybar at Millennium Hotel, where guests will have the opportunity to continue the evening together with volleyball legends, special guests, and Salparov's friends.
September 5, "Arena 8888" – an evening for No. 13. "One career – one legend".
