Teodor Salparov wants the stands of "Arena 8888 Sofia" to be filled not only with fans of the big names in volleyball, but also with children who dream of one day being in their place. The former national player extended a special invitation to volleyball clubs in Bulgaria to bring all their athletes up to 14 years of age for free to his testimonial match "One Career - One Legend" on September 5th at 4:30 PM.
The initiative transforms the farewell match of the long-serving national team libero into a unique meeting between generations. Salparov's idea is for as many children as possible, who are currently taking their first steps in volleyball, to see some of the sport's great figures up close.
"Throughout my entire sports career, I have believed that the greatest wealth of Bulgarian volleyball are the children who, with love, hard work, and dreams, fill the halls every day," Salparov explained in his address to the clubs.
The testimonial match will gather famous Bulgarian and foreign volleyball players in Sofia, with whom Salparov has shared the court or against whom he has played during his long career. Among the already announced guests are the legendary Spaniard Rafael Pascual and the two-time world champion with Italy, Samuele Papi.
The event comes just days before the start of the European Men's Championship, for which Sofia is one of the host cities, and bTV will broadcast the testimonial live.
Tickets for other spectators are on sale throughKupibileti.bgand Eventim, with organizers also releasing a special VIP category. It includes seats in close proximity to the court, a limited edition bottle of wine created for the testimonial, and access to the afterparty at Ozone Skybar in Millennium Hotel.
The VIP tickets also have a charitable cause. Proceeds from them will be donated to the "Sunny Children" foundation, which works to build a home for children with special needs.
Thus, the evening when Teodor Salparov will symbolically end a remarkable volleyball career will also have a look to the future – to the children in the stands who are just beginning to dream of wearing the national jersey.