The recently appointed, Roumen STOILOV, now holds the title of Director of Education serving under Vice President, Ms Jane Bridge. The President of the Bulgarian Judo Federation has ample experience and will undoubtedly do a fantastic job within the EJU team as he is already a fond friend of the organisation.
In 2018, Roumen was in fact invited by the clubs of the Bulgarian Judo Federation to the General Assembly, where he was elected President of the federation by an incredible 59 clubs. Prior to this, his name in sport was already known, in the similar field of sambo, Roumen had already gained a great wealth of experience as vice president of the sport (ESF) for 12 years. Not only this but he was a board member of FIAS and the ESF Executive Committee.
This may be great as a committee member, but our new Director of Education has taught in the field previously,
The fact that I am a habilitated teacher, a person working in the sector of education and sports over the years and I have gained experience that I can apply, I hope to be helpful in the EJU.
It has undoubtedly been a difficult year across the continent due to the pandemic, with many countries still unable to practice at grassroots level. Though many younger athletes have returned to school, for some, the dojo is still closed and the education sector will be focussing on how to facilitate a return to play.
2020 was a very difficult for the sport as a whole. However, with some privileges and support from the state and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, our athletes had the opportunity to follow certain instructions and requirements and successfully conduct their trainings and preparation. Sport is health and the way to move forward.
Though Roumen’s journey as a Director of Education for the EJU has been very short, he has been a part of the judo family for some time now and is looking forward to being a part of this sector. Following the parameters set by both the President, Sergey Soloveychik and Vice President, Jane Bridge, he intends not only to set the best possible standard in the EJU but to model this standard of education in sport in Bulgaria as well.
As President of the Bulgarian Judo Federation, he is also excited to have signed a contract and MOU to host the Senior European Championships in 2022. Roumen has proven himself in this role and feels that judo has impacted his life positively in every way, meeting new and inspiring people and with this whole life having been in sports, he feels he is in the right place.
During the Congress of EJU I was elected as Director of Education. I am impressed by my colleagues from EJU and grateful for the vote of confidence, support and the respect of Mr. Soloveychik. It is an honour for me to be part of the big judo family.
We look forward to sharing the progress of the education sector with the input of Roumen, wishing him all the best in this role.
Author: Thea Cowen