BTA Honored for Promoting Inclusion Through Sports Coverage

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has been honored with a 2024 award from the ProSport Foundation for its impartial and compassionate coverage of the sporting achievements of individuals with disabilities over many years. Dimitar Velyov, BTA's Sports News Director, accepted the honorary plaque during an event on Thursday, CE Report quotes BTA

The ceremony was part of an international conference titled "The Revolution Is Inclusion: 30 Years of Special Olympics Bulgaria."

In his acceptance speech, Velyov expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating:
"It is both an honor and a responsibility for BTA to receive this award. Sports play a vital role in integrating people with special needs into society. As a public media organization, BTA strives to highlight the initiatives and accomplishments of Special Olympics Bulgaria."

The annual ProSport awards, established in 2006 by the ProSport Foundation and Special Olympics Bulgaria, recognize significant contributions to expanding access to sports, promoting volunteerism in sports, and advancing the social mission of sports.

This year, awards were presented in 12 categories, with BTA receiving the Media Award.

In the State Institution category, the Ministry of Youth and Sports was recognized for supporting Olympic sports federations in developing disability-inclusive sports through their clubs. These include basketball, tennis, field hockey, and equestrian sports.

The Sports Federation award went to the Bulgarian Football Union for its longstanding support of football for children and young people with intellectual disabilities. This includes organizing European Football Week and hosting 70 events in 31 locations nationwide, involving over 1,360 participants with and without intellectual disabilities.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Petar Mladenov acknowledged the efforts of the awardees, saying:
"Thank you for your dedication. I am glad that the Ministry's programs support your work and that of other NGOs, enabling people with disabilities to develop their potential."

Prof. Milen Zamfirov, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies and the Arts at Sofia University, received a special distinction for his lifetime contributions.

The Special Olympics movement, founded in 1968 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee, benefits over 4.2 million individuals with intellectual disabilities globally. It offers activities and competitions across 32 sports in more than 170 countries. In Bulgaria, the Special Olympics program began in 1994, and this year marks its 30th anniversary.