Katrin Taseva inspires over 110 children from Pirdop to dream through artistic gymnastics

With great interest from the local community, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, a sporting event was held in the town of Pirdop, marking the start of regular rhythmic gymnastics training for children in the Srednogorie region. One hundred and ten children from the region, aged between 4 and 12, have already signed up for the classes.

The initiative is based on an idea from Aurubis Bulgaria's Women4Metals platform and has the full support of the Municipality of Pirdop. The Katrin Sports Club, represented by our world-famous champion Katrin Taseva, accepted the invitation to establish a branch of the club in the town.

The purpose of the opening event was not to hold a demonstration lesson in rhythmic gymnastics, but to launch a long-term initiative that will make this beloved sport accessible to children from Pirdop and the surrounding areas. 

The official part was opened with a welcome speech by Mr. Angel Gerov, mayor of the municipality of Pirdop. "We are happy that the most beautiful sport is coming to our municipality. We stand behind you and will support you," he said. He was joined by Ms. Zlatka Kaneva, mayor of Dushantsi. She is an ambassador for the Women4Metals platform in the Srednogorie region. As a former athlete, Ms. Kaneva's message to the crowded hall was that sport teaches something invaluable – "how to express your soul through movement and how to keep going when it's hard.

On behalf of Aurubis Bulgaria, Irena Arnaudova, a laboratory technician in Research and Development, briefly described how an idea can become a dream come true.

"It all started with a friendly conversation between three women connected in different ways to rhythmic gymnastics. There are not many sports opportunities for girls in the region. As a mother of two young ladies, I embraced the cause and, together with my colleagues and thanks to the cooperation of the municipality of Pirdop, we are making it a reality today. We are grateful to Katrin for immediately taking the idea to heart and believing in the potential of our children."

Katrin Taseva shared her excitement about meeting the young talents in the town and talked about how sport can build discipline, confidence, and dreams. Under her guidance, the children took part in an interesting practical lesson.

The event in Pirdop is part of the wider mission of Women4Metals. The Aurubis initiative aims to involve more women and create conditions for their development. With its active role in organizing activities in the region, the Women 4 Metal initiative provides not just an opportunity, but a sign that when companies, institutions, and communities work together, change is possible—and it starts with children.

After the official part, participants and guests had the opportunity to get autographs and take photos with Katrin Taseva. The event was met with great interest and positive attitude from the local community.