Training Camp on Adapted SAMBO Held in Bulgaria

On the Black Sea coast, at the training base of the National Sports Academy in Ravda, a training camp on adapted SAMBO for children and youth with special needs was held. This annual event has already become a tradition in Bulgaria – this year it took place for the fourth time in a row.

The camp was organized by the sports club “SOP SAMBO for Development”, with the coaching team of Emil Neshev, Gergana Georgieva, Elena Grigorova, Galin Todorov, and assistant coach Kristina Borisova.

The initiative was also joined by the adapted swimming club “Sport for All”. Under the guidance of Ivelina Dimitrova, Petar Matuski, and Gizem Mazlumova, participants had the chance to try various activities and gain new experiences.

Scientific and methodological support was provided by Assoc. Prof. Elena Zheleva, PhD, from the Department of Kinesitherapy at the Medical University of Sofia.

The honorary guest of the camp was Honored Master of Sport and President of the Bulgarian SAMBO Association Dimitar Dimitrov, who conducted a master class for the young athletes.

“SAMBO opens up tremendous opportunities for children with special needs. It not only strengthens health and develops coordination but also gives so much more – confidence, teamwork, and the ability to overcome difficulties. We see how these training sessions help children to socialize, make friends, and believe in themselves. For us, it is important to show that SAMBO is truly a sport for everyone – a sport that builds character and teaches respect,” said Dimitrov.

As the organizers emphasized, the initiative is part of the “SAMBO for All” project, which aims to show that SAMBO is a sport for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical abilities.