agreement
9 November 2007
South African Sport and Recreation Minister, Rev Dr Makhenkesi Stofile and
Ms Vessela Letcheva, Chairperson of State Agency for Youth and Sport (Minister
of Sport) in Bulgaria, signed an agreement on co-operation in the fields of
physical education and sport on behalf of the government of the Republic of
South Africa and the government of the Republic of Bulgaria respectively,
today.
The Agreement was signed in the presence of Bulgarian representatives, Mr
Ivan Lekov: Vice-Chairperson of State Agency for Youth and Sport (Deputy
Minister of Sport), Mr Nikolay Ivanov: Director: International Department and
Mr Efrem Efremov: Adviser to Ms Letcheva. Sport and Recreation South Africa was
represented by Chief Director: Corporate Services Ms Lulu Sizani, and seven
various directors.
Commenting after the signing, Rev Stofile said that the signing of countries
agreements in general, and South Africa and Bulgaria in particular should go
beyond. Exchange programmes that can be put in place to ensure that both
countries can benefit from sharing ideas and expertise should be
encouraged.
"It would be good for our sport if South Africa can be in a position to send
sport administrators, coaches, sport scientists, etc. to Bulgaria for a given
period, where they will be trained in the various fields, to come back and
impart the skills, and vice versa", said the Minister.
"I hope that Bulgaria qualifies for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, so that more
Bulgarians can visit the country", the Minister commented.
Ms Letcheva said that she was jealous that South Africa was hosting the 2010
World Cup, but hopes to use this World Cup for Bulgaria to learn about hosting
an event of such magnitude. She thanked Rev Stofile for the invitation
extended. "I am sure that the friendship will continue to grow because sport is
the best ambassador and bridge between countries", Ms Letcheva said.
The agreement marks the start of a partnership that will benefit thousands
of athletes, sport technical staff and administrators in South Africa. It will
make possible among others, the exchange of experts, consultants, coaches and
administrators who are specialists in the field of sport and recreation; the
exchange of teaching material on sport and recreation and joint development and
publication of materials; the exchange of information on sports development and
training systems; co-operation in the area of sports-information and science;
and organisation of meetings, conferences, and symposia.
The agreement will also bring together experts in the fight against doping
and also help in the promotion of equity in participation in sport, paying due
regard to age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion and
socio-economic background.
Enquiries:
Ms Lerato Mkhize
Ministry Spokesperson
Cell: 083 545 2411
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
9 November 2007
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)
