site.btaSports Minister Peshev Opens FIS Snowboard World Cup

Youth and Sports Minister Ivan Peshev opened the FIS Snowboard World Cup in Bansko on Friday evening. The winter resort in Pirin will host the prestigious competition on January 18-19 and January 21-22. One hundred and thirty-five competitors from 19 countries have applied to take part in the event.

The resort is buzzing with energy on the eve of the event. Visitors and athletes are greeted by clear skies, lively streets, and the enticing aroma of local culinary specialties. The picturesque mountain town, renowned for its hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, is ready to showcase its charm to the world as it hosts one of the most anticipated events on the winter sports calendar.

"It is a great pleasure and honour for me to open the Snowboard World Cup round in Bansko. I am extremely happy that Bansko is hosting this competition. This establishes Bulgaria as a leading winter sports destination in Europe. I especially want to thank the Bulgarian Ski Federation, which has made great efforts in recent years and thanks to this Bulgaria has hosted dozens of rounds of the World Cups in alpine skiing and snowboarding. I am sure that the organizers have prepared a perfect slope for the competitors. I wish success to all participants," Peshev said in his opening speech.

The ceremony was attended by the entire world elite of snowboarding. Among the guests was also BTA Director General Kiril Valchev. The President of the Bulgarian Ski Federation Tseko Minev welcomed the participants.

Before the actual start of the opening ceremony, a parade of flags was held. It started from the Four Points by Kempinsky Hotel and ended at the lower lift station. The parade attracted the attention of the residents and guests of Bansko, who came out on the streets to welcome the athletes.