Vessela Letcheva, president of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) and the Bulgarian Shooting Federation, welcomed Vladimir Klitschko, the professional boxing world champion and Olympic gold medalist from Atlanta ’96, at a working meeting today.
Also present were BOC Vice President Slavi Binev, Olympic champion Stoyka Krasteva, Bulgarian Boxing Federation President Krasimir Ininski, the BOC’s new sports director Petar Georgiev, and members of the Ukrainian delegation.
Speaking to Vessela Letcheva, Klitschko praised the work of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation and described hosting the European Boxing Championships as another step toward promoting the sport.
“European boxing is developing exceptionally well, both because of its traditions and because of the contributions of the individual national federations, which ensure that the sport meets high professional standards,” Klitschko noted.
He recalled how his path to Atlanta had included participation in the traditional “Strandja” tournament.
“I was impressed by my conversation with Vladimir Klitschko because he is one of the best examples of how an athlete can be an ambassador for Olympic values and a role model.
We talked not only about the development of boxing, but also about the development of sports as a social phenomenon—a way to overcome inequalities and achieve peace,” said Vesela Lecheva.
At the end of the meeting, Bulgarian Boxing Federation President Krasimir Ininski presented Vessela Letcheva with a special plaque.
