On 17th May, by tradition, the fifth jubilee edition of the “Sea and Health” Festival, held annually by MU-Varna, was launched again. This year, the event was held under the motto "Sport, Sea and Health", gaining recognition by the European Commission through the coverage of one of the international events, dedicated to the European Maritime Day. The Festival was also a part of the events dedicated to the European Public Health Week 2019 and Varna - European City of Sport 2019.
The forum started with the opening of the exhibition “Sport, Sea and Health” by the photographer Petko Momchilov, at the entrance of the Sea Garden in Varna. The exhibition includes interesting pictures, reflecting the sport and cultural life at MU - Varna, and the emotions from the previous editions. It can be seen till 31st May. The Vice Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Prof. Dr. Antonia Dimova opened the event and reminisced about the past editions of the Festival, and “Diana” Student Dance Ensemble performed a festive horo, tempting the passers-by in the sea capital to join in.
The scientific part of the forum was officially opened at the First Auditorium at MU-Varna by Assoc. Prof. Dimitar Stavrev, head of “Maritime Medicine” Programme. He presented the official guests and opened the scientific conference with plenary reports. This year, the scientific session provoked tremendous interest. 67 presentations by more than 110 participants revealed the research results, achieved by lecturers and students at the medical universities, showing the link between sports, sea and health. For the first time, students from the three Affiliates of the University in the cities of Shumen, Sliven and Veliko Tarnovo, as well as “Midwifery” and “Nursing Care” Programmes, have taken part, as well. The film "The Teacher", produced by MU.Vi Tv, presenting the life of the Doyen of the Bulgarian Red Cross Water Rescue Service, Mr. Lavrentiy Silov, was welcomed with great interest.
A part of the events during the first Festival day included theoretical and practical training of students wishing to delve into the magic of sailing and to take an accelerated course, led by the Captain of the University boat “Hygeia” - Angel Dipchikov.
The series of events continued on the following day with an interesting programme, which took place at "Azalia" Hotel in St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort. Throughout the whole day, the guests at the Festival had the opportunity to enjoy the already traditional for the Festival Thalassotherapy facial & body treatments, prepared by the students at “Medical Cosmetician” Programme. They brought all those who took advantage of the pleasurable seawater SPA treatment into a new world of relaxation.
A beach paneurhythmy has been performed at the sea shore for the second time. Not only professionals but all the guests, enchanted by its magic, took part in it. The system of gymnastic exercises combines movement, speech, music, thought and the influence of the natural environment, which has managed to unite in a huge circle lecturers, students and guests, dressed in white, able to perceive its magic energy.
Lecturers and students at TS Kinesitherapy at MU - Varna conducted a demonstration of basic exercises of healing and water gymnastics, in which all interested guests took part. The relay and sports games created positive emotions and interesting sport situations among the students from different years of study and programmes at Medical University - Varna. Within a couple of hours, they were having fun under the guidance of lecturers from TS Sports, who had prepared a whole range of sport challenges, in which the future medics excelled. Dance lovers had the opportunity to test their skills in the specially crafted dance workshop, where a professional instructor demonstrated the basic steps of the beautiful art.
Dear guests at the “Sport, Sea and Health” Festival this year were the users of the Riviera Day Care Centre for People with Disabilities, who put all their talent and fervour into the Workshop for Good Things. Friends of the forum of all ages created beautiful jewellery and paintings and pleased their loved ones.
Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting events during the second Festival day was the demonstration of sea knots. The crew members of the sailing boat “Hygeia” proved that the capability of skillfully tying ropes is a major prerequisite for the seaman's craft and unveiled its subtleties to all those, eager to master them.
At the end of the entertainment programme, the Festival participants made sure they leave behind a clean and pleasant environment and took part in the planned cleaning of the beach in front of Azalia Hotel.
Traditionally, the “Sport, Sea and Health” Festival coincides with the European Night of the Museums, part of which is the Museum of the History of Medicine. A rich programme, including performances by the incredible “Diana” Student Dance Ensemble, a demonstration of chemical experiments, organised by the Department of Chemistry, and films by the University MU.Vi TV were just a few of the initiatives that Varna citizens managed to admire.
Established in 2015 by Medical University - Varna, the "Sea and Health" Festival annually presents a diverse programme that includes scientific, sports and entertainment events in support of the link between the sea and health, and between science and public life.
Veronika Stoyanova
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