Roundup: "Chinese Bridge" language competition held in Bulgaria

Bulgarian qualifications of the eighth "Chinese Bridge" -- Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, were held here on Saturday, setting a new record in number of participating schools.

As much as 13 students from six Bulgarian schools participated at the event jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Turnovo and the Chinese embassy in Sofia, breaking the last year's record of four participating schools.

In accordance with requirements of the competition, the children passed a written examination, presented speeches in Chinese, and showed talents related to Chinese culture such as dances, songs and calligraphy.

Victoria Todorova, 16, from the town of Ruse, won the competition, and will represent the Balkan country at the finals in China, together with her three runner-ups.

She told Xinhua she has already visited China, ranking third at the "Chinese Bridge" two years ago. "It is fantastic that I will go again to China, this time as the winner. It is incredible. I am very happy that I have put a lot of effort, and ultimately my work was appreciated. I am very pleased with myself," she said.

While addressing the event, Yuan Jigang, head of the education section at the Chinese embassy in Sofia, said he attended for the fourth time the event in Bulgaria, and more and more Bulgarian pupils and students were willing to study Chinese language and realize their Chinese dream.

He said he hoped more Bulgarian youths will study Chinese language and experience the foreign culture, have a broader international perspective, and work for the strengthening of bilateral friendship.

In turn, Iskra Mandova, Bulgarian Director of Confucius Institute at "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Turnovo, said the "Chinese Bridge" was extremely important for everyone related to the Chinese language and culture not only because it was a way to show their abilities, but also because they promoted their country to the world.

The Chinese language was first taught in a Bulgarian school in 1992 in Sofia, followed by another school in the Danube town of Ruse in 2005. Over the past three years, Chinese language teaching has become increasingly popular in the Balkan country.

Data from the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria show that currently nearly 2,000 children are studying Chinese language in 20 schools. Endit