One of the most successful Bulgarian volleyball players, Teodor Salparov, met with the President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Vesela Lecheva, a month after his testimonial match "One Career - One Legend."
The two-time Olympian thanked the BOC for their support in organizing the farewell match, which took place on September 5 in Sofia. As a sign of gratitude, Salparov presented Lecheva with a ball, a jersey, and a plaque.
The Bulgarian Olympic Committee was a partner of the event, with which the former national player ended his competitive career. Salparov participated in two Olympic Games with the Bulgarian national team - Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
"This testimonial was a sign that we can respect our heroes and send them off properly. I hope that both the event and the European Volleyball Championship, which we hosted, have ignited hundreds of children's passion for the sport," said Vesela Lecheva.
Salparov now has a new role in the Olympic movement. Last week, he was elected to the BOC Athletes' Commission and announced his intention to actively participate in its work to give athletes a stronger voice in decision-making.
During the meeting, Lecheva revealed that the BOC is about to present new opportunities for Olympians after the end of their active competitive careers.
The Bulgarian Olympic Committee will also invest in the training of its administration. Denitsa Pancheva from the International Department has been selected for the eighth edition of the IOC internship program for National Olympic Committee staff, which will take place from November 16 to 27 in Lausanne.
Pancheva is among only seven approved participants from around the world. The other representatives are from Fiji, Finland, Gambia, Kyrgyzstan, Puerto Rico, and Sierra Leone and will undergo their training at the IOC's "Olympic House."

photo: BOC