The charity auction "Champions and Friends Donate," organized by Sofia Municipality and the "Sofia – European Capital of Sport" Foundation, raised 34,900 leva in support of two causes – the treatment of little Dimi and the development of children on the autism spectrum. The Central Military Club in Sofia was filled with an audience, athletes, and donors, and the event became one of the most emotional charity evenings in recent years.
The jerseys of brothers Alex and Simeon Nikolov – the highlight of the evening.
Among the most desired sports memorabilia were two jerseys of brothers Aleksandar and Simeon (Moni) Nikolov, worn by the two national players during the Men's Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines.
The jerseys, personally signed by the brothers, were presented by the hosts as "priceless, dreamed of not only in Bulgaria but all over the world." The emotional bidding concluded with a sale for 2,500 leva, placing the kits among the most highly valued items in the auction.
Which athletes honored the event.
A number of big names in Bulgarian sports were present at the venue:
Boryana Kaleyn – who personally brought and presented her Olympic leotard.
Olympic champion Stoyka Krasteva.
Figure skater Alexandra Feigin.
Representatives of young talents and national competitors in various disciplines.
A total of 16 Bulgarian athletes provided their equipment for the cause.
For whom were the funds raised?
1. "A Full Life for Dimi"
Dimitar Gerginski is almost 5 years old, but his development corresponds to that of a 7-month-old baby.
He was born with a severe disability that requires constant rehabilitation and specialized therapies. His family, with gratitude and hope, shared their struggle from the stage and appealed for support.
2. Association "Autism Today"
The organization's mission is to give every child with autism in Bulgaria the chance to lead an independent and quality life.
Over the past eight years, the association has built four therapy centers – two in Sofia, one in Pleven, and one in Burgas – through which over 1,000 children pass annually.
The construction of a fifth center – in Vratsa – is currently underway.
The association also develops training centers for applied behavioral analysts – a critically important specialty, and until recently, unknown in our country.
What else was sold at the auction:
The charity evening offered a unique selection of sports memorabilia, including:
• Boryana Kaleyn's Olympic leotard (Tokyo) – 5000 BGN.
Handmade with over 4000 Swarovski stones, a true jewel of rhythmic gymnastics.
• Yoana Ilieva's Olympic sabre – 3500 BGN.
Her original equipment with markings from Paris.
• Item (jersey/tank top) with an autograph of Aleksandar Vezenkov – 2500 BGN.
• World champion Kristian Georgiev's snowboard – 2000 BGN.
• Karlos Nasar's belt – 2000 BGN.
• Beloslava Krasteva's chess clock – 1700 BGN.
• Nikola Tsolov's helmet from the season he became vice-champion in Formula 3 – 1500 BGN.
• Alpine skier Albert Popov's helmet – 1600 BGN.
• Figure skater Alexandra Feigin's Olympic costume – 3000 BGN.
• Matey Kaziyski's volleyball from the Supercup final – 900 BGN.
With the 34,900 BGN raised, the "Champions and Friends Donate" auction proved that the Bulgarian sports community can be not only a source of pride but also of real human support.
And the jerseys of the Nikolov brothers – symbols of the newest wave in volleyball – became the emotional core of the evening, reminding everyone that the power of sport is measured not only in games and titles, but also in its ability to change human lives.
