site.btaSports Minister Discusses Opportunities for Cooperation on Youth Policies, Sport with UNICEF Representative to Bulgaria Christina de Bruin

Sport Minister Dimitar Iliev discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of youth policies and sport with the UNICEF Representative to Bulgaria Christina de Bruin. The two were adamant that the signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the Sports Ministry and UNICEF for the period 2023-2027 is a solid foundation on which a number of joint initiatives can be launched.

Among the envisaged initiatives are activities to empower young people and involve them in decision-making processes on issues important to society, to build social skills and competences and to promote good mental health, including through sport.

"Young people today face many challenges such as addictions to modern technology. Sport is a tool through which they can turn their backs on them and embark on a path that builds successful individuals," Iliev pointed out. The UNICEF representative said that it is crucial for young people to develop abilities that will help them find their first job, acquire communication skills and thus get a successful start in life.

The conversation focused on future joint activities related to the realization of the so-called dual career in sport, combining learning, work and sport with a vision for the future. A follow-up meeting was also agreed to map out a work plan on the identified priorities.

Iliev acquainted Christina de Bruin with the initiatives carried out by his Ministry to promote and develop sport for all and highlighted the tremendous support provided by the sports community in Bulgaria.