At the session of the Sports Committee, President of the Georgian Paralympic Committee, Rati Ionatamishvili, presented an overview of the Committee’s activities carried out in 2024 and its plans for 2025.

He underlined that the mission of the Committee is to ensure that Paralympic athletes have the opportunity to fully realise their abilities and potential.

R. Ionatamishvili also stressed the vital role of coaches, doctors, and personal assistants who support athletes in achieving these results.

Founded in 2003, the Paralympic Committee prioritises: dignified participation in the Paralympic Games; identification and inclusion of young para-athletes in the Paralympic movement; hosting high-level international tournaments in Georgia; promotion of the Paralympic movement; and protection of athletes with disabilities from discrimination.

The Committee President listed the sports in which Georgian Paralympians compete and provided an overview of the competitions and sporting events held during the reporting period.

“Our goal is to promote the Paralympic movement and raise public awareness. In this respect, we have a dual mission — achieving high results in sport and breaking down stereotypes about persons with disabilities while ensuring protection against discrimination. As for the sports we are currently developing in Georgia, it is noteworthy that we have earned medals in six disciplines — a significant achievement. We are not content with our current success and are working to develop it further", - Rati Ionatamishvili stated.

He highlighted that, thanks to decisions by the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, a valuable tradition has been established by nominating Paralympians for various state honours.

R. Ionatamishvili also addressed recent legislative amendments, through which the status of Paralympic sport has been legally equated with that of Olympic sport. As a result, prize money for Paralympians, as well as salaries for their coaches and medical staff, have also been equalised.

Regarding funding, he reported that state budget allocations have increased by 400%, rising from GEL 850,000 to GEL 3.5 million.

Chairman of the Sports Committee, Viktor Sanikidze, congratulated Rati Ionatamishvili on his re-election as President of the Georgian Paralympic Committee and wished continued success to all Paralympic athletes.

Paralympic athletes attended the Sports Committee session and the presentation of the Committee’s report.