Sofia to bid for 2030 European Volleyball Championship

Sofia will bid to host the European Volleyball Championship in 2030, Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BVF) President Lyubomir Ganev said during a ceremonial meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council marking Sofia Day on Thursday, CE Report quotes BTA.

Ganev thanked Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev for the partnership in hosting the European Championship, which he described as the biggest sporting event in Bulgaria this year. According to Ganev, hosting the championship has attracted EUR 20 million in investment, while its successful organization has given Sofia and Bulgarian volleyball grounds to set a new major goal – hosting the championship again in 2030.

Ganev's remarks came a day after one of the strongest evenings in Bulgarian volleyball. More than 13,000 spectators filled the stands for the Bulgaria-Poland match, setting a record for attendance at a match of the national team. Bulgaria won 3-2 after a five-set battle.

Ganev made the announcement as the Sofia Municipal Council presented its Honorary Badge to representatives of Bulgarian volleyball. The awards on behalf of the team were accepted by the BVF president. Among those honoured were players and members of the national team, while the Bulgarian women's under-19 national team was also awarded an Honorary Badge. Mayor Vassil Terziev thanked the recipients for their achievements, energy and example to Sofia.

"A city is its people. A city is the energy that brings us together. All of you have left a huge mark. You have set an example and inspired many others," Terziev told the award recipients.

The partnership between the Sofia Municipality and the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation has also turned the European Championship into an event for the entire city. Sofia has welcomed teams and fans from across Europe, with interest in the matches reaching a peak during the victory over Poland. For Terziev, major sporting events are part of Sofia's development as a vibrant European city and an opportunity for the capital to attract people, investment and international attention.

Following the current European Championship, the next goal has already been set – for Sofia to once again host Europe's top volleyball competition in 2030.

Photo: Chat GPT