Thoughts from Stani, who won the Cupi’s Spoon award in Sofia
Last October, two of our young people made it to the finals of Cupi’s Spoon, an international culinary competition for people with disabilities. After winning the local round of the competition, Stani and Julian had the opportunity to travel to Zagreb, where the finals were held. The trip also included a tour of the Vatican and Rome.
In a conversation with Stani, her mentor and social worker, Savina Stoyneva, compiled the following impressions.
Sometimes the most valuable outcome of a trip or participation in an international forum isn’t the awards and rankings, but the smiles, friendships, confidence, and small victories that remain forever in the hearts of young people. During her stay in Zagreb and Rome, Stani experienced days filled with excitement, new encounters, challenges, and moments that helped her believe even more in herself and her own potential.
In Zagreb, she was impressed by the city’s atmosphere, the people’s attitude, and the feeling that she was part of something meaningful. Although she was nervous before the competition at first, she gradually felt calm and confident. She was especially happy during the cooking portion, when she managed to prepare her dish on her own and received recognition for her dedication and effort. For her, it wasn’t so much about her ranking as it was about the fact that she managed to do it on her own and show what she’s capable of.
Among the most emotional moments for her were the dances in the centre of Zagreb, the music and spontaneous singing on the bus, as well as the friendships she formed during the trip. She was particularly impressed by meeting Christina from Greece. Despite the language barrier, the two quickly found a way to communicate and laugh together. This friendship showed just how easily young people can connect with one another when they feel accepted and understood.
Rome also left her with unforgettable memories. She was most impressed by the Colosseum, whose grandeur left her speechless. She was also thrilled by her visit to the Vatican, where she felt happy to be part of such a large international community. Italian cuisine, gelato, the bustling streets, and the excitement of exploring new places kept her smiling constantly and sharing her joy with others.
This trip gave Stani not only new experiences but also greater confidence, independence, and faith in her own abilities. It is precisely moments like these that show how significant such initiatives are for the development, socialisation, and happiness of the young people in our care.
And to wrap things up, here’s what Stani had to say about the trip. 🙂
“It was awesome! What I liked most was singing with Ryan and laughing with Christina. I love Vedran and Silvia because they make me feel happy and calm. I was embarrassed and nervous while cooking, but I managed on my own and was really happy.”
