The finals of the 18th national school contest "Health Ambassadors", which drew 11,000 pupils, ended with an awards ceremony.
"For me, you are the future health diplomats and the pride of Bulgaria," health minister Katya Ivkova told the finalists at the ceremony.
Ivkova said that over 18 editions the contest has become more than a competition between pupils. She called it a cause that brings together children, teachers, parents and institutions.
Good habits start with personal example, and pupils show this through sport, movement, creativity and care for nature, Ivkova said. She said this shows that health has many sides.
The minister said children should look after their physical and mental health from an early age. She praised the finalists for their energy, creativity and wish to change their surroundings. Young people inspire most when their knowledge turns into action and their ideas into real change, she said.
Ivkova said she hopes young people will make health a conscious choice, and that their drive to make the world better will keep inspiring them. She said every pupil who put work and inspiration into a project deserves recognition. She thanked the teachers, parents and the ministry's partners.
Four ministries are partners in the contest: education and science, culture, youth and sport, and environment and water. Also involved are the State Agency for Child Protection, the World Health Organization office for Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross and the National Centre of Public Health and Analyses.
"You are an example for all of us of what we can achieve when we believe in our ideas and act together," Ivkova said.