BeActiveTogether

#BeActiveTogether Olympic Day 2026
23.06.2026
On June 23rd 2026, as part of the annual Summer Camp for Adapted Water Sports organized by “Vasil Levski” National Sports Academy, an inspiring celebration of International Olympic Day took place. More than 100 participants – children and young people with special needs, students, lecturers, volunteers, and international guests from Germany, came together in the spirit of Olympic values, filling the NSA water sports base in Nessebar with energy, smiles, and the pure joy of movement.
Accompanied by the sounds of the Olympic Anthem, participants, parents, students, lecturers, and guests joined a festive parade along the pathways of the water sports complex. The procession ended on the beach, where participants with disabilities took part in specially designed activities and sport challenges focused on active participation, confidence, teamwork, and the joy of movement. The Olympic Day competition agenda concluded with a swimming marathon, which became one of the most memorable moments of the celebration. Participants demonstrated determination, courage, and resilience, showing that Olympic values have the power to inspire and bring people together through sport.

The award ceremony began with a blessing led by Father Dimo Valchev from St. Ivan Rilski Church in Burgas, who offered prayers for the health and wellbeing of all participants. A welcome address was delivered by Prof. Nikolay Izov, Vice-Rector of NSA and Manager of the NSA Water Education and Sports Base in Nessebar. He conveyed greetings on behalf of Prof. Krasimir Petkov, Rector of NSA, and Mr. Nikolay Dimitrov, Mayor of the Municipality of Nessebar. Participants received medals and certificates from Prof. Nikolay Izov and Assoc. Prof. Yordan Donev, Head of the Water Sports Department at NSA.

In the days leading up to the final ceremony, participants took part in training and recreational sessions in swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), alongside a variety of beach and water games. The programme combined learning new sporting skills with movement, enjoyment, and the opportunity to experience sport as a source of confidence, connection, and inclusion. Once again, the Adapted Water Sports Camp demonstrated that Olympic values can be lived and experienced by every participant through an accessible, supportive, and inclusive sporting environment. The initiative continues to showcase the power of sport to unite, inspire, and create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully – guided by the values of respect, friendship, and striving for personal achievement.

The Adapted Water Sports Camp at “Vasil Levski” National Sports Academy has become a long-standing and successful practice led by students and lecturers from the Adapted Physical Activity and Sport programme. It offers meaningful opportunities for both professional development and personal growth, benefiting future specialists as well as participants with special needs.

As part of the event, the #BeActiveTogether initiative was also promoted. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, the initiative highlights how sport can be a powerful driver of social inclusion, empowerment, and active participation in society. It creates opportunities for everyone, including people with intellectual disabilities, to be active, feel accepted, and take part in community life. Through #BeActiveTogether, sport becomes a bridge to inclusion, empowerment, and positive social change. For more information, visit www.beactivetogether.org and follow the initiative on social media.