SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THOMAS KONIECKO, PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANOE-KAYAK FEDERATION, ON THE 100thTHIS YEAR MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANOEING AND KAYAKING IN BULGARIA

SPECIAL ADDRESS BY THOMAS KONIECKO, PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CANOE-KAYAK FEDERATION, ON THE 100thTHIS YEAR MARKING THE CENTENARY OF CANOE-KAYAK IN BULGARIA

It is a great pleasure to be here with you to celebrate the magnificent hundred years of Bulgarian canoe-kayak. On behalf of the International Canoe Federation, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all on reaching this historic milestone.

Since the journey began in 1924, this hundred-year period has been marked by incredible achievements. One of the first milestones came in 1954 – the launch of organised competitions in Bulgaria with the first national championship. Just two years later, in 1956, Bulgaria became a member of the International Canoe Federation, reaffirming its commitment to the international canoeing community. The 1972 Olympic Games in Munich saw Bulgaria win its first Olympic medal – in the 1,000-metre canoe doubles. The 1980s heralded an era of triumphs – with Lyubomir Lyubenov winning an Olympic gold medal in Moscow in the 500-metre single canoe, and Vanya Gesheva, who won Bulgaria’s first Olympic medal in the women’s 500-metre single kayak. At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the current president of the Bulgarian Canoe-Kayak Federation, Nikolay Bukhalov, achieved unprecedented success by winning two gold medals – in the 500-metre and 1,000-metre single canoe events – and became a legend in our sport.

So many remarkable names and achievements have been recorded during this glorious century that I could not possibly list them all in this brief speech, given their sheer number. In addition to the Olympic disciplines, various rowing sports are flourishing in the country, including dragon boat racing and canoe marathons.

As well as sporting successes, just as important is the work of the many volunteers in your clubs, who inspire young people to take up our sport. I would therefore like to congratulate all the volunteers who are passionate about our sport in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has always been one of the most favourable destinations for events organised by the International Canoe Federation. Your country is a regular host of high-level competitions, bringing together the world’s best athletes, who have always been impressed by the warm welcome and professional organisation here. In recent years, international competitions have been closely associated with the name of Evelina Petrova, who, as Executive Director, oversees the entire organisational process. Thank you for your work, Eva!

Over the years, it has been reaffirmed that the International Canoe Federation and the Bulgarian Canoe Federation can always count on each other’s support as they pursue their shared goals.

Looking ahead, the future of Bulgarian canoeing and kayaking is bright. With its new generation of athletes, backed by a strong and visionary federation, it is certain that Bulgaria will reach new, even greater heights. You have made our sport one of the most popular in Bulgaria, and I am sure you will continue in the same spirit.

Looking to the future, we are convinced that Bulgarian athletes will deliver outstanding performances and make the nation proud of them. We look forward to witnessing the incredible achievements that the new century is sure to bring.