Ivan Shishman Street in downtown Sofia will be turned pedestrian once again every Sunday until the end of August in a bid to reduce air pollution from traffic and favor commuting by foot.

The initiative is launched for the third year in a row by the Sofia City Hall.

Beginning Sunday, August 5th, as well as the following Sundays until the end of the month, Shishman Street will be closed for vehicles under the project called "Sofia Breathes," which was launched for the first time in August 2010 and has enjoyed huge success ever since.

The Levski Sports Club is for the first time official partner of the City Hall and will provide equipment for the practice of 10 types of sports.

Professional athletes will demonstrate their skills while Sofia residents and visitors will have the opportunity to measure up to them in a number of competitions. The program also includes lectures, theater performances and art exhibits.

Ivan Shishman Street, connecting the Narodno Sabranie Square in front of the Bulgarian Parliament with Graf Ignatiev Street, a shopping venue for Sofia dwellers, is a favorite place among walkers in the city with its many shops and bars.