Български
BeActiveTogether
Inclusive sports festival “Games of goodwill”
31.10.2025
On October 31, 2025, the Inclusive sports festival “Games of goodwill” was held at the Multifunctional Hall of the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”. The event was organized by “Together we can” and Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA), in partnership with the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” and with the support of Sofia Municipality – “Studentski” District. The Games turned Halloween into a day of sport, smiles, and inclusion, uniting four teams of people with intellectual disabilities and participants from the popular TV show “Desafio”. Together, they took on three exciting challenges – Speed, Accuracy, and Teamwork, inspired by the spirit of adventure and cooperation.
Among the official guests were Assoc. Prof. Todor Marinov, PhD, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy at NSA “Vasil Levski” and host of the event; Dr. Teodora Ivanova, Chairperson of the State Agency for Child Protection; Petko Goranov, Mayor of “Studentski” District at Sofia Municipality; and Hristo Velkov, Vice President for Strategic Development at Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
A total of 52 athletes from various sports and social organizations took part, including “Together we can”, Adapted Sports Club, SEN Sport, Sambo for Development, BG & Sport for All, Family-Type Accommodation Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities “Hristo Botev” – Sofia, Day Center for Adults with Disabilities – Pernik, Sunny Kids Sports Club, and The Golden Team – Svishtov.
Among the participants from “Desafio” who supported the initiative were: Gizem Mazlumova, Lyubo, Yoana, Radi, Yordan, Trayan, Decho, Ivanina, Mihaela, Lapunov, Razhdavichka, Kalin, Gordienko, Sapundzhieva, Karina, Teodora, Nikoleta, and Magi. The event was an inspiring example of how sport can foster inclusion, friendship, and positive emotions. The “Games of goodwill” proved that when we join hands, we are all part of one team! While the competitive spirit was strong, the atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and shared joy was even stronger. The participants with intellectual disabilities demonstrated exceptional determination and motivation, while the “Desafio” contestants stood by them as loyal teammates and motivators. The event aimed to show that sport has the power to unite people of different abilities, build confidence, and promote social inclusion. The organization was strongly supported by lecturers and students from the Adapted Physical Activity and Sport (AFAS) program at the NSA “Vasil Levski.”
“After my experience in Desafio, I believe even more that true strength is not only physical – it lies in support, unity, and kindness. Today, during the Games of goodwill, I saw that same spirit – people who compete, but also help one another. For me, that’s the greatest victory – when competition turns into friendship, and sport becomes a bridge between worlds,” said Gizem Mazlumova, coordinator of “Together we can” and organizer of the “Games of goodwill.”
The participants competed under the slogans #BeActiveTogether and #SPORT – Strengthening Potentials through Opportunities, Respect, and Team-Spirit, both initiatives of Bulgarian sports development association, supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Through such activities, these initiatives aim to promote the sustainable inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in sports at local, national, and international levels – and to emphasize that when we are together, we can all achieve more!
A total of 52 athletes from various sports and social organizations took part, including “Together we can”, Adapted Sports Club, SEN Sport, Sambo for Development, BG & Sport for All, Family-Type Accommodation Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities “Hristo Botev” – Sofia, Day Center for Adults with Disabilities – Pernik, Sunny Kids Sports Club, and The Golden Team – Svishtov.
Among the participants from “Desafio” who supported the initiative were: Gizem Mazlumova, Lyubo, Yoana, Radi, Yordan, Trayan, Decho, Ivanina, Mihaela, Lapunov, Razhdavichka, Kalin, Gordienko, Sapundzhieva, Karina, Teodora, Nikoleta, and Magi. The event was an inspiring example of how sport can foster inclusion, friendship, and positive emotions. The “Games of goodwill” proved that when we join hands, we are all part of one team! While the competitive spirit was strong, the atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and shared joy was even stronger. The participants with intellectual disabilities demonstrated exceptional determination and motivation, while the “Desafio” contestants stood by them as loyal teammates and motivators. The event aimed to show that sport has the power to unite people of different abilities, build confidence, and promote social inclusion. The organization was strongly supported by lecturers and students from the Adapted Physical Activity and Sport (AFAS) program at the NSA “Vasil Levski.”
“After my experience in Desafio, I believe even more that true strength is not only physical – it lies in support, unity, and kindness. Today, during the Games of goodwill, I saw that same spirit – people who compete, but also help one another. For me, that’s the greatest victory – when competition turns into friendship, and sport becomes a bridge between worlds,” said Gizem Mazlumova, coordinator of “Together we can” and organizer of the “Games of goodwill.”
The participants competed under the slogans #BeActiveTogether and #SPORT – Strengthening Potentials through Opportunities, Respect, and Team-Spirit, both initiatives of Bulgarian sports development association, supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Through such activities, these initiatives aim to promote the sustainable inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in sports at local, national, and international levels – and to emphasize that when we are together, we can all achieve more!
