President Radev meets with IOC chief to discuss Bulgaria’s candidacy

Sofia: Bulgaria’s President, Rumen Radev, met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach yesterday at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the country’s candidacy to host the Youth Olympic Winter Games, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

President Radev met with the Olympic chief as part of a working visit to the Swiss Confederation, during which he also met with President Viola Amherd.

The IOC president expressed his readiness to assist in the preparation of a roadmap for Bulgaria’s candidacy, saying the capital’s proximity to the mountain would greatly facilitate the organisation of the event.

“Bulgaria is proud of its traditions in winter sports and has gained serious experience in the organisation of international competitions. Our country also has excellent natural conditions,” President Radev said during the meeting.

He also expressed his appreciation of the IOC’s support with Bulgaria’s efforts and ambition to host the Youth Olympic Winter Games and that that it was a matter of pride for Bulgaria to be among the 14 countries that took part in the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Radev and Bach noted the contribution of the Olympic Movement to the promotion of peace and understanding between people.

The meeting was attended by Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) President Stefka Kostadinova, as well as Vesela Lecheva, a member of the IOC Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Committee.