The Head of State Iliana Iotova held a meeting with medallists and representatives of the Bulgarian Olympic teams in natural sciences - biology, physics, chemistry, as well as mathematics. The meeting was attended by teachers and mentors of the students and representatives of the Association of Olympic Teams in Natural Sciences. The conversation is part of the meetings of the Head of State with the competitors to maintain the dialogue between the presidential institution and the successful young Bulgarians.

 

At this year's international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, Bulgaria won a total of 20 medals - two gold, nine silver and nine bronze. All Bulgarian participants in the four Olympiads are medallists.

 

In your person I see the future of Bulgaria, the head of state addressed the youth, highlighting their potential and abilities, which make them champions among the best in the world. Behind each of your medals are years of hard training, countless hours of solving problems, laboratory work and perseverance, the president emphasised. In her words, the qualities that the competitors have developed - curiosity, discipline, critical thinking and a desire to build on what has been achieved, will be decisive for the development of society in the coming years. Iliana Iotova called on the students to continue their education in our country and expressed confidence that our country will provide the necessary conditions for scientific work and technological development.

 

The head of state highlighted the efforts of the teachers, scientists and mentors who work with the Bulgarian competitors. Thanks to your dedication, Bulgaria has remained among the respected participants in the most prestigious international science Olympiads for decades, emphasised Iliana Iotova.

 

During the meeting, the conditions for preparing students were discussed. The great imbalance in the conditions for training and development offered by the capital and other cities, from which the number of participants in the Olympiads is minimal, was stressed. The discrepancies in school and Olympic preparation, the lack of a sufficiently good material base and the need for greater motivation of students and teachers were also discussed. With joint efforts, we should overcome these discrepancies, the president emphasized.

 

Iliana Iotova thanked the students who shared their impressions and argued their positions related to Bulgarian education and preparation for international competitions. You must live with the self-confidence that you are chosen and able to realise your ambition to move forward, and the institutions should take care of the difficulties you encounter on your way, the president said.

 

The head of state and the leadership of the Association of Olympic Science Teams shared the common position that an information campaign is needed throughout the country to inform students about the opportunities related to participation in international competitions. You have my support, said Iliana Iotova and called on the Olympians to be active and to pass on their experience and knowledge to their younger colleagues.

 

The head of state expressed expectations for high achievements from the teams whose international competitions are yet to come. I expect to welcome the remaining competitors with medals at the end of the year, said President Iotova.