The President of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov awarded the football legend Hristo Bonev with the order “Stara Planina” – first stage. The medal was bestowed for a great contribution in the development of physical training and sport. “I accomplish my constitutional engagement with great pleasure and excitement”, said the President Parvanov during the ceremony. “It has been written so much, that whatever I say will sound familiar to Hristo Bonev, but the first thing, which has always impressed me is that he a symbol of loyalty towards the favourite native football club “ Lokomotiv” (Pd)”, the President also said. He added that the football career of Hristo Bonev is a model of growth, recognition of one sportsman with strong-will, character and professionalism.
“One sportsman, who starts as many others as an unfamiliar 17-year talent in “Lokomotiv” (Pd) and proved to be one world famous master of football”, Parvanov concluded. Bonev on his part thanked for the awarded order and defined it as an appraisal for his work as a footballer, coach and citizen. Hristo Bonev also said that he would keep his order for his leaders, coaches and the people, with whom he has worked.