An exhibition displaying the achievements of the Bulgarian natural sciences Olympic teams was opened on Monday at Sofia University. The event was attended by Education Minister Krasimir Valchev. The exposition is a special edition of the My Awakeners project, dedicated to the successes of the Bulgarian national Olympic teams in mathematics, physics, chemistry, informatics, biology, linguistics, astronomy, astrophysics and artificial intelligence.
“I am glad that the Ministry of Education and Science is a partner of this good initiative,” said Valchev.
“We are considering national programmes on how to preserve this most important resource, to replicate the schools that exist in Bulgaria, because without your teachers these achievements could not be realized. Especially in the age of artificial intelligence, these schools will be one of our most valuable resources,” he noted.
Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev said that the exhibition is becoming traditional, which is extremely gratifying because there is a deficit of good examples in Bulgaria. “There are awake minds before whom we should open wide the doors of science,” he noted. Valchev also expressed his pride that this year many of the Olympians and national diploma winners chose to continue their education at Sofia University.
Natural Sciences Olympic Teams Association (NSOTA) Deputy Chair Elena Marinova pointed out that in recent years more and more of the science Olympians have chosen to study at Sofia University. “All those who are out of the country certainly fly the Bulgarian flag high and carry Bulgaria in their hearts,” she said.
“After Sofia University, this exhibition will tour the country. We will visit 12 cities where some of our science Olympians are from,” said NSOTA Executive Director Valkan Goranov.
Some of the science Olympians also attended the event. According to Yavor Hristov, a three-time silver medalist at the International Chemistry Olympiad, this exhibition showcases the successes of science Olympians and provides an opportunity for people to feel a sense of pride as they pass by these canvases that might otherwise go overlooked. “This is another opportunity to give publicity to our craft and our successes,” he explained.
The exhibition is put together by the Natural Sciences Olympic Teams Association and Fantastico Group. The latter initiated the My Awakeners project four years ago. The initiative showcases inspiring individuals with remarkable achievements from 2024 when Bulgarian participants won 40 medals (two gold, 14 silver and 24 bronze) at the most prestigious international Olympiads. Together with the European, Balkan and Junior Olympiads, the medals won by the national teams add up to 91 (11 gold, 40 silver and 40 bronze).
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