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Stories of Life-Changing Transformations Inspired the Launch of “Healthy Students – Healthy University”
03 October 2026
With stories of overcoming challenges, newfound confidence, and positive lifestyle changes through sport, the “Healthy Students - Healthy University” initiative was launched at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. On October 3rd, students, faculty members, and staff marked the beginning of the initiative with a group workout in the university’s Eastern Park. The initiative is organized jointly with the Sports Club of the Student Council.
The event was hosted by Galena Lakova, one of Varna’s leading fitness instructors and a Psychology student at the university. She has been involved in fitness and group aerobic training for more than 20 years and loves the dynamism and energy people create when they come together. She is also deeply committed to charitable causes. Over the years, she has organized workouts and campaigns in support of people in need and works actively with family-type residential care centers in the town of Provadia.
The most moving part of the gathering was hearing the stories of the guests invited by Galena. Our heartfelt thanks go to Marinela and Zhechi Georgievi, Martin Zhelyazkov, Ivaylo Yordanov, Valentina, Elena, Ilina Georgieva, and Radostina Andreeva for their sincere and inspiring stories, which reminded us that our bodies deserve love and care, as well as determination and perseverance.
The decision to begin, the effort to keep going, and the habits built step by step have transformed their daily lives and the way they relate to their own bodies. The gathering left everyone with a powerful message: loving our bodies means making time for them, listening to them, and caring for them with determination and patience. That message naturally carried over into the group workout. Although it consisted of basic exercises, participants described it as extremely intense. Galena brought everyone together in a shared rhythm, filling the park with movement, smiles, and collective energy.
It was therefore only natural that participants wanted the workouts to continue - and, at their request, the training sessions will carry on.
The next meeting will take place on October 20th at 12:30 p.m. and will focus on healthy eating. The university will welcome students and graduates of Prof. Dr. Ruzha Pancheva from the Medical University of Varna, a professor of hygiene, pediatrician, and specialist in nutrition and dietetics.
On November 17th, students will meet with a representative of the Regional Center for Transfusion Hematology, who will explain the benefits and importance of blood donation. The following day, November 18th, the university will hold its regular blood donation campaign.
Further discussions are planned throughout the year on topics including stress-related eating during exam periods, physical activity in students’ daily lives, sleep and recovery, student mental health and well-being, prevention, and charitable initiatives.
We would like to thank Galena and all the guests for their trust and courage in sharing their personal journeys. They are now friends of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar,” and their stories will continue to remind us to take the next step in caring for ourselves.
See more photos from today at: