More than 70 participants took to the water for the Paddle Board Relay Race “65 Years of Medical University–Varna – 65 Kilometres Together for Success”, held in the area of Port Varna as part of the anniversary celebrations of the University.
On a glorious summer day filled with sunshine, sea breeze, music, and infectious enthusiasm, the competitors joined forces to complete a symbolic 65-kilometre journey, paddling in 500-metre relay sections. The initiative highlighted teamwork and the joy of an active lifestyle.
“Our University actively promotes water sports — from swimming and sailing to canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches, whose achievements continue to make us proud! This potential inspires us to pursue a long-term vision for a modern sports environment. We are currently developing a large-scale project in the Malka Chayka area that will transform more than 30 hectares into a modern University sports complex with facilities for sport, recreation, and community life. The project received the international ARCHINOVA ARCHITECTURE AWARD in 2024, and I look forward to the day when competitions like today's will take place there, in a space open to students, faculty members, local residents, and visitors alike—a natural extension of Varna's maritime and sporting identity," said the Rector Prof. Dimitar Raykov, DSc. The event was also honoured by Varna Deputy Mayor Ms Sofia Koleva, who congratulated the participants.
The strong sea wind made the contest a true test of endurance, yet every participant rose to the challenge and completed his/her relay leg, and was rewarded with rounds of applause from the audience.
Leading the way were the hosts of MU–Varna – faculty members, staff, and students, representing Bulgaria, Germany, India, Austria, Jordan, and the United Kingdom — a vivid reflection of the University's international academic community. The representatives of the programmes of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dental Technology, and Health Management impressed with their excellent paddling technique.
Excellently-trained students majoring in “Military Doctor" Training Programme, delivered jointly by Medical University – Varna and Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, also joined in the relay. Representatives of the University of Economics – Varna, a long-standing partner and active member of the city's academic community, also took part.
Among the competitors receiving the loudest cheers were Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation; Prof. Svetlana Fotkova, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; and Assistant Rector Eng. Deyan Grancharov.
The competition was organised to an excellent standard. Logistics were supported by teams from the Department of Physical Education and Sports and the Cherno More–Briz Canoe and Kayak Sports Club. Additional support was provided by UMHAT “St. Marina" – Varna, Port of Varna, and Capt. Georgi Georgiev – Port Varna Yacht Club. The University's Hygeia sailing boat remained in the water throughout the event.
Konstantin Sharaliev, a medical student, claimed first place in the student category, while Yuliyan Iliev triumphed among the faculty participants. The youngest participant was 10-year-old Manuela Kostadinova, who boasted excellent paddle boarding technique.
In addition to the sporting awards, several special prizes were presented. Veronique Zhekova, a medical student, was crowned “Miss Balance", while faculty member Ivelin Iliev was excelled with the title “Mr Balance". Additional distinctions included “Most Elegant Board Mount", “Most Artistic Paddling", “Most Stylish Participant", “International Ambassador of the Maritime Spirit", and “Specialist in Asymmetrical Paddling". And so, the competition has come to an end. However, the 65 kilometres became not only a sporting challenge but also a symbol of teamwork, friendship, determination, and a deep connection with the sea, shaping the University's identity.
