Thracian Games
In ancient Thracia, the traditional Thracian Games (similar to the Greek Olympics) were held in a few warrior disciplines, including running in full battle armour, javelin throwing, archery, chariot racing, boxing, wrestling and other activities, to select the best warriors, and award them with the Golden Laurels (gold gilded oak leaves).
Winners were then celebrated, raised on warrior shields.
*In the photo bellow, this year’s Submission Wrestling winner, Julien Valentinov.
The Historical Park in Neofit Rilski (BULGARIA), is a unique, historical themed entertainment park, presenting the various ages and historical periods, including Neolithic age villages, Thracian period, Roman period, 1st and 2nd Bulgarian Kingdoms, with all of their cultural aspects, including hosting events, reproducing cultural lifestyle, architecture, craftsmanship, religious temples, mineral baths, warrior games, historical battles and much more.
As of this year, the Historical Park is hosting a few annual events, for each of the time periods, including the Thracian Games.
I was proud to be invited as a consultant, and event organizer, on the Submission Wrestling division, where we put together a 4 men tournament, under 65 kgs, Submission Only within 5 min time period format.
Participants were:
- Mitko Neikov (BUL)
- Boris Kovachev (BUL)
- Sebastien Le Bon (FRA)
- Julien Valentinov (BUL)
And here is the full video (self recorded) from the event:
Congratulations to the winner, Julien Valentinov!
