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On the third Saturday of March, ski run No. 8 in Bansko was certainly the most diplomatic place in the world and in Bulgaria since it hosted the 10th edition of the ski competition for the Foreign Minister’s Cup.

At the start at Shiligarnika on 1855 m above sea level high class guests were present. 28 people participated the Giant Slalom – including ambassadors, mission officials, businessmen, public figures, representatives of the European Commission and UNICEF. The continuity in this aristocratic sport was assured by the presence of wives and children.

The competition was under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zakharieva. For the second consecutive year she demonstrated high class in skiing. Co-organizers of the event were the Ambassadors of Austria and Romania – respectively Their Excellencies Andrea Vike and Ion Gulia, the Bulgarian Ski Federation and Balkan Holidays. The starts were divided into the following categories: Giant Slalom for male diplomats up to 50 years old, female diplomats, children and friends and a funnyl biathlon. Despite its name the last discipline gathered the most enthusiastic and motivated competitors. They had to pass the entire route and on the firing stand they had to shoot the most targets with snowballs. The winners in this disputed discipline were the employees of the German embassy Stephan Zholeski and Militza Tilitz.

The Foreign Minister’s Cup was taken by Martin Mischel from the Swiss embassy, who became first in Men’s diplomats up to 50 years. After him were Alexey Andreev of the Ministry of labor and social policy and the husband of Ekaterina Zakharieva – Angel Zakhariev. The Zakhariev family recorded a second podium - The Minister herself took the third place among the Ladies. The best racing time was recorded by Antonella Renci from the Italian embassy and Nina Zlateva from the EC Representation stepped to the second position.

At the race track at Shiligarnika were also present the ambassadors of Italy Stefano Baldi, of Slovakia Manuel Korcek and of Montenegro Snezhana Radovic.

"For the last 10 years this competition shows how diplomacy can be done with sport and how we can make together the world a better place", Minister Zakharieva said.

The Cup of the Minister of Foreign Affairs is among the most liked and prestigious events of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria. The аward ceremony was attended by the President of the Bulgarian Ski Federation Tseko Minev and the Mayor of Bansko Georgi Ikonomov. The after-party was in the Happy End aprеs-ski bar.
 






Source: Bansko Utre Weekly