World Ice Skating Champions 2006 Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski reaped acclaims as Bulgaria's top athletes of 2006. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)World Ice Skating Champions 2006 Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski reaped acclaims as Bulgaria's top athletes of 2006.The charming skaters outpaced European Champion sprinter Vanya Stambolova and World Champion wrestler Radoslav Velikov in the traditional annual poll among journalists of the country.The recognition for Denkova-Staviski comes along with a purse of BGN 30,000 (EUR 15,000).In an emotional address of gratitude, Maxim Staviski said this trophy marks a significant breakthrough for ice-skating in Bulgaria, as winter sports are traditionally not very popular in the country."I promise we will bring you more joy," said shining Staviski, lined by his ice-rink and life partner Albena Denkova.She added the two will carry a special mark on their dancing outfits to express support for the Bulgarian medics on a death row in Libya.Unlike previous years, President Georgi Parvanov did not attend the awarding ceremony. He has cancelled all public appearances and events until end-year in solidarity with the five nurses sentenced to death by a Libyan court.
(Sofia Photo Agency)