President Iliana Iotova honours Bulgarian athletes with Down syndrome

President Iliana Iotova presented the Presidential Plaque of Honour to members of Bulgaria's team at the World Championships for athletes with Down syndrome, held under her patronage in Sofia. Team captain Radena Angelova accepted the award on the athletes' behalf during a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall at the Presidency.

In return, Radena Angelova and Slav Petkov, President of the Federation for Adapted Physical Activity, presented Iotova with a set of medals from the championships.

"My team and I are delighted that today, in this distinguished hall, we are honouring Bulgaria's 'sunshine athletes'. You made the World Championships much more than a major international sporting event. You filled children's faces with smiles and brought together people speaking languages from all over the world. Yet language did not matter, because your sporting achievements spoke for themselves," Iotova said.

She described the athletes as "Bulgaria's heroes", saying there are no limits to human potential where there is perseverance, determination, ambition and daily dedication.

The Bulgarian team finished the championships with 27 medals – 12 gold, six silver and nine bronze.

Editor: Diana Tsankova