"We had a very pleasant discussion on the current development of Bulgarian sports," IOC President Jacques Rogge said appearing from his meeting with Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov. The two discussed Bulgaria's bid for the 2016 youth winter Olympics. Mr. Rogge invited President Parvanov to visit IOC.

After his meeting with Bulgaria's Head of State, Mr. Rogge gave a brief news conference.

What are Bulgaria's chances to host the youth winter Olympics in 2016?
- They are quite serious, I would say. The infrastructure requirements are much lower compared to these for regular Olympics. Climate presents one of the biggest challenges because a no country in the world can absolutely guarantee a snowy winter, for example.

What are your impressions of Bulgaria?
- My last visit to Bulgaria was a long time ago. The country's still beautiful, of course, but the society has changed a lot since my last coming here. Bulgaria has changed a lot and it's a beautiful country.

What should we do to win a bid for winter Olympics?
- If u decide to bid for the 2018 Olympics, you'll definitely need more serious infrastructure. I think Bulgaria's changes to host a winter Olympics will increase with time.

Do you think that Bulgaria will soon have a IOC member again?
- I cannot set a deadline for that. We should compensate the representatives of Africa, Asia, and South America. Currently, about half of the IOC members are from European countries. BOC President Stefka Kostadinova will probably be invited to join IOC in the not so far future.

Standart News
WEDNESDAY, 21 January 2009

Jacques Rogge conferred Doctor Honoris Causa title in Bulgaria

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge, who started a visit to Bulgaria on Monday, was conferred the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the National Sports Academy. Jacques Rogge delivered a lecture under the motto “Education and Sports”, in which he stressed that the philosophy of the International Olympic Committee will remain unchanged in the XXIst century, namely the search for perfection in each and every activity.

Unfortunately in the developed societies the young people have less time for physical activities and their addiction to television, video games and computers results in a sedentary way of life and obesity, Jacques Rogge added. We must protect the sport from the lurking dangers – doping, violence and corruption, said in conclusion the President of the International Olympic Committee.

BNR
January 20, 2009 at 12:05 PM

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