Bulgaria clinches silver at the 2nd Santorelli Cup for hockey ID, celebrating inclusion and sportsmanship

The 2nd edition of the International Field Hockey Tournament for People with Intellectual Disabilities, known as the Santorelli Cup, concluded with Bulgaria’s national team securing a well-deserved silver medal. Held from June 27-29, 2025, at the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy in Sofia, this tournament marks a significant step forward for inclusive sport in the country.

An event of high sportsmanship and unity

The Santorelli Cup showcased the power of sport to foster inclusion, bringing together teams from Belgium, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. The event not only highlighted the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities but also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship.

Bulgaria’s team made their mark by defeating Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands, ultimately earning silver after a hard-fought battle with Italy in the final. Italy claimed the top spot, followed by Bulgaria in second, Belgium in third, and the Netherlands and Ireland in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Bulgaria’s team performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, demonstrating both skill and unity. The players are already looking ahead to upcoming international competitions, including an event in Germany, and are committed to further improvement through rigorous training.

Support for inclusion from all corners

The event was attended by several key figures, including mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev, deputy minister of youth and sports Stoyan Andonov, president of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee Vessela Lecheva, and rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov. Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative, with local and national officials showing full support for inclusive sports programs.

The tournament was hailed as a significant opportunity to showcase the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities, while also emphasizing the need for sports to serve as a platform for breaking down social barriers and fostering long-lasting friendships.

Bulgaria’s role in inclusive hockey

The Santorelli Cup marks a historic milestone in Bulgaria’s sports development. This is the first time Bulgaria has hosted a major international hockey event under the umbrella of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), reflecting the growing importance of inclusion in the nation’s sporting culture. The event was organized by the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation, in partnership with Santorelli JSC and the Creators of Hope Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Bulgaria’s national coach expressed pride in the team’s growth and development, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the selection process for the team. With an eye on future international competitions, Bulgaria is focused on preparing for the World ID Hockey Championship in 2026 and the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile in 2027.

The Santorelli Cup also aligns with Bulgaria’s broader efforts to integrate athletes with intellectual disabilities into high-performance sports. The Regional Center for Support of Inclusive Education in Plovdiv has played a key role in fostering opportunities for young athletes, helping them develop emotionally, socially, and physically through hockey.

Looking ahead: the future of hockey for all

This year’s Santorelli Cup has solidified the tournament’s place as a pivotal event in the inclusive sports calendar. The Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation is committed to expanding the reach of hockey for people with intellectual disabilities, aiming to create a sustainable framework for future international competitions.

Bulgaria has already made notable strides in inclusive sports, with previous successes at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin (2023) and the Special Olympics European Games in the Netherlands (2024). These achievements have put Bulgaria at the forefront of inclusive hockey in Europe, demonstrating its leadership in shaping the future of the sport for people with disabilities.

The Santorelli Cup is more than just a tournament. It serves as a platform for individuals to demonstrate not only their sports skills but also their determination, friendship, and solidarity. The event’s success reflects the growing importance of inclusive sports and sets the stage for future collaborations, both in Bulgaria and across Europe.

With the support of various institutions and organizations, including the European Commission’s Erasmus+ program, the Santorelli Cup is expected to continue growing in significance in the coming years. The Bulgarian team is already gearing up for the next edition, with hopes of securing a gold medal in the near future.