Upskilling Coaches

BSDA took part in #United4Equality

08.03.2025

Representatives of Bulgarian sports development assocation, Joanna Dochevska and Ivelina Kirilova, participated in the "United 4 Equality" event, held on March 8, 2025. The event was organized by the German Embassy in Bulgaria in partnership with the Sofia Municipality – Izgrev District. Dedicated to promoting gender equality in sports, the event brought together experts, athletes, coaches, students, and representatives of institutions and organizations to discuss ways to improve access to sports and physical activity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The agenda featured discussions moderated by Knut Auf dem Berge, a sports expert and educator with extensive experience in the German Football Association, and Mirela Demireva, Olympic silver medalist from the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. Among the participants was Staniliya Stamenova, a world champion from the 2015 Canoe-Kayak World Championships in Milan. Key topics included equality in sports, removing barriers to women's participation, and best practices for promoting equality.

During informal conversations, Joanna Dochevska and Ivelina Kirilova presented the "Upskilling Coaches" project, which aims to support the development and qualification improvement of coaches as part of BSDA’s efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of sports education in Europe. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas and sharing good practices, as BSDA continues to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable sports environment.