The best Bulgarian alpineist Albert Popov received the prestigious “Honorary Citizen of Bansko” title minutes ago. Local parliament Speaker Georgi Ikonomov presented his plaque under the applause of dozens of official guests and citizens.
The 17 advisors voted unanimously and a cash prize of BGN 5000 for Popov and BGN 3000 for his coach Ivaylo Borisov. The two also received special gifts – dried pork leg and wine to try since the season is now over.
The ceremony, during which a short film about the successes of our alpine was also projected, was attended by the CEO of Julen Maya Hristoskova, the former Mayor of Bansko – Dr Georgi Tasev, the 2022 Olympics bronze medalist: biathlon Irina Nikulchina, former coaches and competitors, children of Julen Ski Club.
By being awarded this title, the management and residents of the Winter Capital of the Balkans recognized the talent and successes of the 25-year-old alpine ski competitor, born in Sofia.
Thank you for appreciating our work and for your kind words about us. Thank you also for the hospitality of the Municipality of Bansko and the Banskalia. This is our second home. Bansko has repeatedly proven to be a world ski resort, with two World Cup starts next year. We are all going together in the right direction”.
“I am proud that such prestigious competitions are held on the tracks in Pirin. Our successes would not be possible without your support,” Albert Popov said.
He assured that after third place on the podium in the United States, it is normal to hunger for even greater success. And he believes that he can and will achieve his dream of being the first on the podium in the World Cup round next season.
His coach Ivaylo Borisov, on the other hand, shared that he was excited and could not hide his tears from the recognition of the Municipality of Bansko and the local people, as well as the company “Julen”.
“There is not a resident here who doesn’t support us.” We are doing our best to please you, to promote ski sports and Bansko resort,” Albert Popov’s mentor said.
Local Parliament Chief Georgi Ikonomov stressed that Popov everywhere glorifies our country and Bansko, currently Bulgaria’s most recognizable person in winter sports.
Mayor Ivan Kadev pointed out that Banskalis expressed their respect for this title of our ski competitor and the talent, effort, will and courage of him and his team.
“Behind such successes is the enormous work of many people, and Albert Popov’s ambition is at the forefront. The mayor also gave due to the Bulgarian Ski Federation, which provides the best conditions for preparing our skiers and snowboarders and wins hosts of the highest-rank competitions, which is a great credit to the Pirin ski zone concessionary – Julen company.
Kadev wished Popov with a smile to help with his girlfriend for the demographic balance of the resort town. The mayor was adamant that Bansko accepted Popov and his team as collaborators and partners because Bulgaria is spoken with respect worldwide. Bansko everywhere is learned that it is the best winter centre in Southeast Europe.
The proposal for granting Popov this title is submitted to all municipal councillors from Bansko. Popov participated in two Winter Olympics – in 2018. and in 2022 as well, it has a ninth place in slalom and seventeenth place in the giant slalom.
On February 27 this year, he placed third in the World Alpine Skiing Cup slalom at the American Palisades Winter Center, Tahoe. In this way, Bulgaria returned to the podium at the start of the World Cup after a 39-year break.
Bulgarian great skier Peter Popangelov reached the last podium. Bansko’s best alpine has already stated that he dreams of winning a World Cup competition, which is the goal he will pursue next season.