site.btaBulgarian Tennis Federation, Israel Tennis Association Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Bulgarian Tennis Federation (BTF) and the Israel Tennis Association (ITA) signed a cooperation agreement here on Monday. The agreement was signed by the presidents of the two organizations - Stefan Tzvetkov and Avi Peretz.

Tzvetkov emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, as it creates opportunities for the two countries to use each other's sports facilities for joint training camps. Israel and Bulgaria will also be able to exchange wild cards when hosting tournaments. Tzvetkov said there are plans to sign similar agreements with other countries in the region.

Tzvetkov praised Israel for their facilities that are suitable for training in the winter. He added: "The joint camps will no doubt help both countries develop. Moreover, we will have the opportunity to promote our partnership in big countries like the USA".

The head of the BTF said that he feels for the people of Israel and hopes that there will be peace in the region soon.

Peretz shared that his father is from Bulgaria, which made the occasion particularly emotional for him. He said he believes that the partnership will yield excellent results. Bulgaria and Israel want to help each other in areas such as junior, professional and veteran tennis.

Peretz spoke about the grave situation in his country at the moment, which resulted in sports being sidelined. Many tournaments that were scheduled for hosting in Israel were cancelled. He expressed hope that peace will be restored in the region as soon as possible and added that his people are going through their darkest times since the Holocaust.

The head of the ITA praised the BTF for their tremendous efforts in succeeding to organize an ATP tournament in just 18 days. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv.