Football tournament "Healthy Together" united refugees, students, and representatives of international organizations.

On the occasion of World Refugee Day - June 20, the State Agency for Refugees at the Council of Ministers (SAR) organized a mini football tournament "Healthy Together" in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), New Bulgarian University (NBU), Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC), UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The event took place at the sports field of NBU and brought together refugees, students, representatives of international organizations and institutions to mark one of the most significant days in the global calendar of human rights with a spirit of solidarity and inclusion.

"Solidarity is a value we must live every day, and sport is a wonderful way to do it - with respect, teamwork and mutual support. Today we show that we can be healthy and together - regardless of origin, religion or language," said the Chairman of the SAR at the Council of Ministers, Mr. Ivan Ivanov, during the opening.

Greetings to the participants were also addressed by representatives of WHO for Bulgaria, the NBU management, the Ministry of Health, the BRC, UNICEF and IOM. On behalf of WHO in Bulgaria, Dimitro Osin emphasized the importance of health and sport: "Health is a priceless treasure for every person. When people are healthy, they can learn, work, care for their families and live with dignity. Sports and physical activity not only strengthen the body and mind, but also build friendships and create communities - even in the most difficult times."

"Solidarity with refugees means taking real action - listening to them, giving them the opportunity to tell their stories and defending their right to seek safety. Actions so that every displaced child and young person has access to opportunities - to security and education, to healthcare and especially to mental health support, to developing skills, meaningful participation and contribution to their communities, including through access to safe and decent work," was the message of the UNICEF representative in Bulgaria, Cristina de Broyn, on the occasion of June 20.

The tournament took place in a spirit of fair play and friendship, with the teams of refugees, students and representatives of UN agencies playing three contested 15-minute matches. The football legend Ivaylo Yordanov, a former Bulgarian national team player and star of "Sporting" (Lisbon), was a guest at the ceremony. "In sports there are no borders - we are all equal on the field. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be part of this event that inspires and unites," Yordanov shared with the gathered participants and guests.

A health information booth with materials in several languages, provided by the Ministry of Health and WHO, was also set up on site to support the good physical and mental health of the community. The event was also accompanied by a part of the touching photo exhibition "Innocence Without Borders". The photo exhibition was created jointly by the SAR at the Council of Ministers and UNICEF, and tells the stories of unaccompanied refugee children from the "Safe Zones" of the Agency.

With the "Healthy Together" initiative, the organizers emphasize the role of sport as a bridge between people and as a tool for integration, trust and psychosocial support. The tournament sent a strong message: in one society there is a place for everyone - and only together can we be stronger and healthier.