We have increased the budget for sports and youth policies by 42 million leva. This is 31% more than the previous year. There has never been such an increase before. I hope that this is a good basis for the peace of the sports and youth sector. This was stated by Minister of Youth and Sports Ivan Peshev in the program “Arena Sport“ on the Bulgarian National Television, BTA reported.
Peshev pointed out that the funds for sports for high sports achievements have been increased by 23%, those for Olympic preparation are 66% more, and the budget for youth policies has grown by 17%. “We have set a goal for the ministry's budget to grow by up to 30% each year during the 4-year term,“ Peshev was categorical.
The minister outlined the three biggest problems he faced upon taking office. In his words, these are the lack of a National Strategy for the Development of Sports, insufficient investments in sports infrastructure and scandals in the domestic federations.
“In the very first week, we created a working group that has already taken action to develop a new National Strategy for the Development of Physical Activity, Physical Education, Sports and Sports and Tourism Activities. The approach that has been chosen is different. The prepared document will not be submitted to the National Assembly in its final version, and the members of the National Assembly will be introduced to its development in stages. The goal is to find maximum consensus for the adoption of the strategic document, which is for a period of 12 years. All reasonable and workable proposals will be included“, said Ivan Peshev.
Regarding sports infrastructure, the minister commented that the cabinet's program is clearly outlined and includes major infrastructure projects, including the restoration of the “Cherveno Zname“ complex and the “Septemvri“ sports complex, as well as access to Vitosha and the renovation of the facilities there. “Calculations have been made, various sources of financing will be sought. All possible options for investments in sports infrastructure - public, public-private, private - must be taken into account. As for Vitosha - "There is a concessionaire there who is ready to start investing, as long as the law allows it," said Peshev, adding that within the next two weeks the conceptual design for the new rhythmic gymnastics hall will also be presented.
The Minister of Youth and Sports announced that talks have begun for a new national stadium with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the District Administration and the Sofia Municipality. "We are looking for a suitable terrain. When we find a good location with transport access, we will inform the public and start designing," added Peshev.
Minister Peshev emphasized that he is monitoring the situations in the sports federations and the Bulgarian Olympic Committee with particular attention. "I have talked to most of the federations and I know about their problems. The doors of the ministry are open to everyone. We are their partner. I call on the personal conflicts to be buried so that sports can develop successfully. A good example is Bulgarian chess. The two federations have found a common language, a common goal, signed an agreement and their unification is imminent. Competitors and coaches can work peacefully“, said Ivan Peshev.
“We have started paying out funds to sports federations under the programs administered by the MMC. The majority have signed their contracts and the funds are being distributed. There are several federations that have inaccuracies with the reports for the previous year and because of this there is a delay with them, but their number is not large. I hope that they will soon clear up these discrepancies“, the minister also said.
Peshev also commented on the results of the checks at the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator after the compromised draw in March this year. “The inspection by the experts from the ministry established that the cause of the problematic circulation is due to the long-standing non-compliance with the rules and procedures for the organization of the totalizer and the systematic lack of control. This led to human error. The findings of colleagues from the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology are similar. The Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Interior, the State Financial Inspection Agency and the National Revenue Agency are also working on the case. My main task is to ensure that there is not a drop of doubt in the work and activities of the totalizer. This is also the task that we have set for its management“, Peshev was categorical.
“The majority of the funds in the ministry's budget come from the sports lottery. Our analyses show that the revenues from the lottery can be doubled, which means that the funds for sports and culture can also be doubled. The other main task before its leadership is precisely this“, added the Minister of Youth and Sports.