Is there NPC in our country?
It has been a year since NPC WORLDWIDE part of the IFBB PRO LEAGUE/USA international federation came in Bulgaria and I am very proud and happy about this fact.
Today's topic will be useful for everyone who is still hesitating whether to enter the NPC scene in our country. The topic is my personal initiative, because I love this sport and I want it to be developed at a high level in Bulgaria as well. We have many future champions here and I think the world needs to learn about them, and the BALKAN GRAND PRIX tournament is a great start!
And so to the question "Is there any NPC in our country?" I will tell you immediately: "YES"
As an athlete with a lot of experience and 21 competitions so far, of which 18 are international, I dare to say that the Balkan Grand Prix surpasses many elite competitions that I have taken part in - I mean organization, stage, lighting, filming, coverage, backstage, location, prizes from sponsors, medals and trophies. All these things show great respect for us athletes, for our work, for the fact that we have chosen to show what we have achieved on the stage of the BALKAN GRAND PRIX.
What is BALKAN GRAND PRIX ?
A regional competition under the umbrella of NPC WORLDWIDE, which according to the rules allows international participation. So it's like every other regional NPC competition in the world. In reality, the participants are fighting competition not only from Bulgaria, which is interesting and motivating, you really have to prepare very well.
In October 2022, the 3rd edition of this tournament took place. Dare I say even more spectacular than the previous ones. I took part in this latest edition, but about it in the next blog theme. One year ago at the same time, the first NPC Regional competition in the history of Bulgaria was held, and in the spring of 2022 – the second. The trend is that twice a year the athletes can go on the BALKAN GRAND PRIX stage. In the future, the goals are even bigger – holding a PRO Qualifier, and why not a PRO Show one day.
As something new for our country, although the NPC WORLDWIDE/IFBB PRO LEAGUE has been around since 1982, at the beginning few athletes dared to step on the stage in Sofia, Bulgaria. However, with each new edition, the number of athletes grows and the competition gains more and more popularity here and abroad.
Interesting facts about the BALKAN GRAND PRIX:
The judging panel consists of international judges with significant experience in judging Pro Qualifiers, Pro shows and Regionals.
The location chosen for the competition is in Sofia, Marinela hotel. Quite a comfortable and cozy place to hold the competition. I can say that often competitions abroad are located outside the city, in areas with separate buildings/halls for holding all kinds of events, and often the stage and backstage area is not very pleasant - cold,dust, etc.
Registration takes place the day before the competition and is at the same place where the event will be, which doesn't bring additional stress and tension to athletes and coaches.
At the registration, you officially and finally sign up for the competition, being measured in height and/or kilograms according to the category in which you will compete.
The team that welcomes you and serves you at the registration consists of the representatives of NPC Bulgaria and the international judges.
On the day of registration, you will receive your number with which you will go on stage. It is important to keep it and not lose it.
During registration, all other important things are specified - such as access to the backstage area for the coach to be with you at this important moment, make-up and hair appointments, as well as spray tan are booked.
The organizers provide a professional photographer who captures every single athlete on stage – from his individual presentation, through the comparative rounds, to the awarding ceremony. You can pre-purchase stage photos during registration. These are memories that last a lifetime, so I encourage you to do it.
An official hotel is provided for each competition, with a special discount for athletes and their companions. But you can stay wherever you choose of course. However, my recommendation here is to stay at the hotel. Everything is gathered in one place - stay, registration, competition. This rarely happens. And like this you save yourself nerves, stress, travel tension and possible delays, if you forgot something, your room is only a few floors away.
I'll stop here, though there's probably more things.
I leave you a link to my YOUTUBE channel, where you can watch my competition, including BALKAN GRAND PRIX from 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_QUYCntECASVy_FidWorQ
I will soon be uploading a video of my participation this year as well, so subscribe to my youtube channel so you don't miss anything. And in the next topic, I will show you and tell you about my winning the absolute title in the Bikini category twice at the BALKAN GRAND PRIX.
See you soon
