Vladislav Nikolov Receives Title of Honorary Citizen of Varna – Highlights from the August 15 Ceremony

Vladislav Nikolov is one of six newly awarded Honorary Citizens of Varna, who received this prestigious distinction personally from Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and Deputy Chair of the Varna Municipal Council Tsvetelina Atanasova at a solemn ceremony traditionally held at the Summer Theater on the city’s holiday, August 15, 2024.
The highest public honor of the city – “Honorary Citizen of Varna” – was presented to Vladislav Nikolov, who could not hold back his tears and emotions during the award presentation. Vladislav Nikolov is the founder of the first charitable campaign in Bulgaria for collecting plastic bottle caps to help premature and newborn babies – “I Believe and Help”. Through this campaign, more than 25 medical devices, equipment, and machines have been purchased, along with hundreds of essential supplies, as well as the first “I Believe and Help” pediatric/neonatal ambulance in Varna, and the first “I Believe and Help” mobile blood donation unit in Bulgaria, supporting thousands of babies, children, and adults. The total value of these donations to date exceeds BGN 650,000.
Other honorees of this significant recognition include:

Borislav Dryanovski, historian and researcher, author of a series of books, honored for his lifetime contribution to the history of the city and the country, and in celebration of his 80th birthday.

Captain Second Rank Nikolay Danailov, commander of the research vessel “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, was awarded for his undeniable dedication and remarkable achievements in advancing naval, maritime, and diplomatic efforts in Varna.

Renowned folk musician and award-winning accordionist Dimitar Stoykov received the title for his longstanding and rich creative work that has contributed to the enrichment of Bulgaria’s folklore heritage.

Ilian Iliev, head coach of the Bulgarian national football team, was honored for his outstanding contributions to football and sports, his proven professionalism, and for leading PFC Cherno More to a historic second-place finish in the country’s top football division.

The title “Honorary Citizen of Varna” was also awarded to Siya Papazova – a prominent public figure, playwright, theater educator, and critic, co-founder of the “Golden Key” Children and Youth Theater. She was recognized for her active role in developing and promoting culture in Varna, as well as for her long-standing artistic activity and significant contribution to the city’s public life.
At the ceremony in the Summer Theater, Lyubka Todorova, longtime secretary of the “Prosveta 1927” Cultural Center, received the Golden Badge of Merit to Varna for her contribution to the development of the cultural institution and for the rich calendar of events in the Asparuhovo District.