The President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) and member of the IOC’s Commission for Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, Vessela Letcheva, called for greater visibility for coaches and the maintaining independence and traditions of the Olympic movement. The two-time Olympic medalist in shooting is part of the discussion in Lausanne.
At the IOC headquarters, Lecheva met with President Kirsty Coventry.
There are many great athletes, Olympic and world champions among us. We are the people who know best who helped us become champions. These people are our coaches. Should coaches also be stars? Should they be promoted as role models? Should they receive more media attention? Do you know the name of Messi’s first coach or Federer’s first coach?” Letcheva noted.
The president of the BOC and member of the Public Affairs and Corporate Communications committee also spoke on the topic of the Olympic program.
“We are all familiar with the policy of introducing new sports, which is dictated by the desire to attract young people, to take into account the national characteristics of the host cities, and to encourage innovation and development,” Lecheva continued.
“I hope I don’t sound old-fashioned, but I am convinced that despite all this, we must preserve tradition and balance. And I will give one example—the Wimbledon tournament. It was created in 1876. And the tradition continues – the matches are played on grass courts and the tennis players wear white uniforms. Do brands want to introduce bright colors? Yes, of course, but Wimbledon is strong because it preserves traditions. I believe that the great strength of the Olympic movement lies in tradition. That is why we must be very careful when making changes, so as not to damage the most valuable thing we have – tradition,” concluded Letcheva.
