XV Table Tennis Tournament for the UNWE Cup

On the occasion of its 70th Anniversary the Physical Education and Sports Department jointly with St. George the Victorious Academic Sports Club of the lecturers and employees organized the XV Table Tennis Tournament for the UNWE Cup held under the patronage of the Rector of the UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

The winner of men`s category once again was Dr. Philip Dandolov from the International Relations Department who won the first place for the sixth consecutive year after a very competitive game with Lect. Dr. Miroslav Shishkov from the Physical Education and Sports Department who ranked at the second place. The third place was again taken by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petar Ivanov also from the Physical Education and Sports Department.

The winner of women's category was Dr. Iva Gigova and the second place occupied Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ralitsa Arsova from the Physical Education and Sports Department.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov awarded trophies and medals to the winners. He wished them to always have a fighting spirit and be always so eager for sports, scientific and research success.

He greeted all the participants saying that "among whom there are very strong competitors" and wished those who have not ranked today to reap success in the future competitions. "Because the Spirit Makes the Power - the motto of UNWE is very appropriate for the tournaments", said the Rector.

The Head of the Physical Education and Sports Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Stoilov pointed out that the Table Tennis Tournament was the first in a series of competitions on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Physical Education and Sports Department. Assoc. Prof. Stoilov welcomed the participation of the Chairman of the Student Council Ilian Chabukliisky and the Secretary Kaloyan Stefanov in the Tournament and expressed thankfulness to them for the good partnership over the years. He also emphasized the role of St. George the Victorious Academic Sports Club for the joint sports initiatives as well as the contribution of Plamen Kyuvliev, Director of Bonsist Sports Complex, to the wonderful conditions that enable lecturers and employees to practice sport. He expressed his gratitude personally to the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov who is always compassionate and supports the competitions.

Prof. Dr. Georgy Yankov, Professor Emeritus of UNWE and Chairman of St. George the Victorious Academic Sports Club, also greeted the participants in the Tournament. He pointed out that the Table Tennis Tournament which is held for the 15th consecutive year is the younger sister of the Tennis Tournament which will be held for the 27th time in the current year.

Prof. Yankov emphasized the uniqueness of the tournaments and the role of the Academic Sports Club in promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity among the University's lecturers and employees.

"We provide good conditions to very good athletes who are almost professionals. The Tournament turned out to a wonderful sports event and a great entertainment for the people from the UNWE", said the Director of Bonsist Sports Complex Plamen Kyuvliev.

The doyen of the Physical Education and Sports Department Prof. Dr. Spas Stavrev highlighted the numerous sports events that will be held on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Physical Education and Sports Department established on 8 March 1954.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petar Ivanov and Prof. Dr. Spas Stavrev

Before the start of the Tournament lots was drawn to allocate the participants to groups. Sen. Lect. Dr. Elena Moneva, Judge for the Tournament and main organizer, announced that the participants were 17 - 15 men and 2 women divided into 4 groups - three groups of 4 people and the fourth group of 5 people.

In the first stage of the competition 2 athletes from each group were selected to compete in quarterfinals. The 8 winners played in pairs in the semi-finals and the 4 winners of the semi-finals competed in pairs very professionally to the final.

All the participants in the Tournament were awarded T-shirts with the UNWE logo.