On the eve of the match between Lube Civitanova and Cisterna in the Italian SuperLega, young national player Aleksandar Nikolov did something far greater than a volleyball attack – he fulfilled a child's dream.

Nine-year-old Kaloyan Zhekov, who has been training volleyball for a year, wrote a touching letter to his idol. It was first published on the wall of Vladimir Nikolov, Alex's father. The story quickly caused excitement, and bTV prepared a special report dedicated to the little fan and his volleyball inspirer.

An Inspirer with a Volleyball

For some, an inspirer is a teacher, for others – a writer.
But for third-grader Kaloyan, this year's inspirer is holding a volleyball – Aleksandar Nikolov.

The boy has been training since he was little, inspired by his father, who also played volleyball as a child. In training, Kaloyan finds joy, friendship, and inspiration.
During the World Championship in the Philippines, when the Bulgarian national team fought as one, he watched every point and dreams of being like them – persistent, dedicated, and inspiring.

“When I watched them point after point, I just prayed they would win every match. Even if they finish second, they are still winners for us. I dream of becoming like them and joining the national team,” Kaloyan shares with bTV.

To the question of why he considers Alex his inspirer, the boy answers sincerely:

“For me, he is an inspirer because he plays well, is kind, he isn't bad. I saw him at Levski Sofia Volleyball Club when I was at a camp – he was a guest and asked us various things.”

Words That Remain in the Heart

Last summer, at a camp in Levski's hall, Kaloyan had the chance to meet his idol. Then Alex told him simply, yet profoundly:

“With persistence, diligence, and hard work, everything can be achieved.”

These words turn into a promise that the little volleyball player repeats at every training session.

Alex Nikolov's Message to Kaloyan

Having seen the letter in which Kaloyan defines him as his inspirer, Aleksandar Nikolov sends a special message to bTV, minutes before stepping onto the court in Italy:

“Hello, Kaloyan! I want to take a moment from my day to say a huge thank you for the message and the note you sent me. It is an honor for me to be called your inspirer.
I hope we meet in person someday – and I look forward to seeing you in the hall at the European Championship in Sofia!”

Inspiring with a Ball in Hand

Thus, on the Day of the National Enlighteners, Aleksandar Nikolov showed that inspiring can also take a sports form. With a heartfelt “thank you” and a promise to meet, he proved that the great ones are not just those who win, but also those who inspire.

Designated as an enlightener by little Kaloyan, Alexander Nikolov fulfilled a childhood dream.

And if for some the Day of the National Awakeners is a day of books and knowledge, then for little Kaloyan and all children who dream with a ball in their hands, this day now has another face — the smile of Alex Nikolov.

photo:btvsport.bg