07.11.2025
The Rectorate of Sofia University is hosting the 17th International Scientific Conference “Contemporary Trends in Physical Education and Sports,” organized by the Department of Sports in collaboration with the Federation of Sports Educators of the Republic of North Macedonia and the National Publishing House “Az-Buki.”
The scientific forum was opened in the “Egg” hall, where Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Karparova, chair of the organizing committee and moderator of the event, greeted the attendees and noted that all of them are privileged due to the opportunity to advance sports science.
„Our mission is to develop sports science in accordance with global standards and to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices. This conference is a worthy start for young scientists, whom we support in their academic development,“ said Assoc. Prof. Karparova, expressing her hope that during the 17th International Scientific Conference 'Modern Trends in Physical Education and Sport,' fruitful discussions will take place, as well as new friendships being formed.
The Director of the Department of Sports, Prof. Boryana Tumanova, officially opened the forum and welcomed the participants with 'Welcome' to Sofia University – a symbol of knowledge, spirit, and traditions. She noted that the Department of Sports proudly continues to be a driver and guardian of sports science. 'Moreover – for nine decades we have proven that sports are not just an activity, but a value, a mission, and a tradition, an inseparable part of the educational environment of the highest-quality university in our country,' Prof. Tumanova further stated.The Director of the Department of Sports emphasized that the conference brings together scientists and researchers, and practitioners united by a common cause. Prof. Tumanova thanked her colleagues and especially Assoc. Prof. Karparova and her team for organizing the conference and maintaining a high scientific standard. She also thanked the participants, who, with their presence and scientific contributions, create conditions for maintaining and continuing the mission of promoting health, socialization, and an active lifestyle.
Prof. Tumanova expressed her confidence in the success of the scientific forum and wished everyone productive work. After officially opening the conference, she called on everyone to observe a one-minute silence to honor the memory of their dear and respected colleague and friend, who passed away two days ago – Assoc. Prof. Stoyan Andonov.
The Vice-Rector of Sofia University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Parvan Parvanov, also extended greetings to the participants of the conference on his own behalf and on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev. He thanked the colleagues from the Department of Sports for everything they do for the students of Alma Mater. Assoc. Prof. Parvanov emphasized that we will conclude 2025 with very serious sporting achievements by the students, and this fills us with pride.
He wished everyone successful work and fruitful cooperation among all institutions participating in the forum. "May the results you present serve as a basis for very serious scientific research, and may everything you do reach those who are the real beneficiaries – the students," said Assoc. Prof. Parvanov, adding that at a time when artificial intelligence is trying to take over us and electronic devices are almost becoming a place for young people to exercise, the most reasonable approach is to ensure that they are shown the right path.
During the official opening, greetings were extended by Ventsislav Genkov, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the National Publishing House “AzBuki,” with which the Department of Sports has long-term cooperation. Greetings were also heard from Zoran Jovanov from the Federation of Sports Educators of the Republic of North Macedonia, from Assoc. Prof. Svetoslav Stefanov, Head of the TMFB Department at Veliko Tarnovo University, as well as a congratulatory address from Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Mihaylova, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Shumen University “Bishop Konstantin Preslavski”.
Prof. Angelina Yaneva, the ideologist of the international scientific conference, also greeted her colleagues and stated that her brainchild – the conference – was created for all colleagues from Bulgaria and foreign partners to meet, with the idea of sparking new ideas, working together, and developing. She recalled that the "Egg" hall, where the conference takes place, is the first sports hall at Sofia University, and emphasized that the sporting spirit continues.
The event continued with a plenary lecture by Dr. Zdravko Tarlov, MD.The program of the scientific forum includes work in four areas, discussing the issues of physical education, sports, and recreation, and their connection with other activities and scientific fields.The areas to be discussed are: Physical education, sports, and recreation in the educational system; Recreation, animation, and sports in leisure time – health prevention; Theory and methodology of physical education and sports; Connection of physical education and sports with other activities and scientific fields.Within the framework of the scientific forum, there are planned sessions by areas, as well as a seminar on the topic: How to Write Correctly in Science. Guidelines for Successful Publication in Prestigious Scientific Journals, led by Dr. Savina Kirilova (Sofia University) and Ventsislav Genkov ("Az-Buki").
The forum has received registrations for participation from 67 authors with 62 reports. Researchers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Russia have expressed their intention to participate.The conference reflects the aspirations of the faculty members of the Department of Sports at Sofia University for the development of sports science in Bulgaria, improvement of publication quality, in accordance with modern requirements.This year's edition of the conference is held with financial support from a scientific project for partial funding of scientific forums at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," Contract No. 80-10-184/04.06.2025, and a scientific project under the procedure for supporting international scientific forums held in Bulgaria, by the Research Fund under the Ministry of Education and Science, Contract No. KP-06-MNF/31 of 25.08.2025.
