Freedom, passion, high adrenaline and love was what I felt when I first stepped on the ice skating rink. Although each beginning is difficult, I knew that I would bear skating forever in my heart. When I gained some experience, I was not afraid of that sport anymore and the ice rink became my true friend. Nowadays, that sport is much more accessible due to the multiple ice skating rinks built in Bulgaria's biggest cities. Slavia sports complex, the Winter Palace of Sport, Ariana Lake and Sportna Sofia 2000 complex are some of the most popular places for ice skating in Bulgaria's capital. Sportna Sofia 2000 complex was unveiled in December 2015 as part of the initiative Sofia-European Capital of Sport 2018. Radio Bulgaria met with Lubomir Alamanov at that sports facility. He was having fun with his colleagues on the ice. Here is what Mr. Alamanov told us:

“We are having our Christmas party on that beautiful ice skating rink. This is only the beginning of the party. Later, we will visit six more places. We are to play pool and bowling. Then we will dine in a restaurant and will end our festive party in a karaoke bar. Currently, we have the feeling that we may fall on the ice rink any moment, because most of us are ice skating for the first time. However, we are brave people and love to experiment.”

Velina Filipova is among those who step on the ice rink for the first time. Here is what she told Radio Bulgaria:

“I never did ice skating before. We decided with my teammates to experiment and do something new and different. The feeling of ice skating is great. I ski during the winter and I was interested in this sport as well. It feels great when you learn to control your motions and your legs. You can feel high-adrenaline if you skate at a higher speed. However, it is great pleasure and I would recommend it to all fans of winter sports.”

Krasimir and his friend Tsvetozar decided to do some ice skating in the Boris Garden downtown Sofia. Here is what the two boys told us:

“I have been ice skating for seven years now. My mother took me to the ice rink for the first time. It is quite cool. I cannot describe what I feel on the ice rink. One must try that, in order to feel the emotion”, Krasimir said.

Here is what Tsevozar, who is also a keen ice skater, told Radio Bulgaria:

“I have been ice skating for four whole years. I stepped on the ice skating rink when I was in the first grade. I liked that sport a lot and I haven't missed a single season ever since. I am also planning to start playing ice hockey, because it is great fun. The feeling is even better when you do ice skating with friends.”

Valeri who is an ice hockey player was waiting for the ice rink to open. We asked him how long he had been ice skating.

“I have been ice skating for nearly four years. I also practice ice hockey, because this is my favorite sport. There is high adrenaline and strong discipline in that sport. We are all equal on the ice rink.”

Rebeka Miteva had fun on the ice rink for the second time:

“I hope that I will learn how to ice skate and balance myself. It seems like great fun. I managed to stay on my feet the first time I stepped on the ice rink. Now I will try to skate in the middle of the ice rink. Today my boyfriend will teach me how to skate.”

Mariana Stoyanova loves that winter sport and has been doing ice skating for the third consecutive season.

“I like ice skating a lot. I feel relaxed when I practice that sport. I feel like I am at home when I step on the ice skating rink. Everything is great here. I often fall on the ice rink, but this is not a problem for me. Everyone must experience that feeling. However, people must relax on the ice rink, because if they are afraid of skating, they will not learn how to skate. This week I did ice skating four times. I always come here when I have spare time.”

Sometimes we fall on the ice rink, but we must stand up quickly and continue, just like in real life.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov