Poti, Georgia: The Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia supported the construction of a canoe and rowing base in Poti, Maltakva cities. The Acting Minister of Culture and Sports of Georgia, Joseph Bagathuria inspected the newly built rowing base at Maltakva.
The construction of the base started in 2023, and at this stage, it is being equipped with sports equipment, furniture, and equipment. The project cost is up to 7 million GEL and includes training, living, and administrative spaces for athletes, including 22 hotel-type rooms, a sauna, dressing rooms, showers, and a conference room. The building is adapted for disabled people and has an independent power supply.
The city of Poti holds a special place in the history of Georgian rowing. Rowing was very popular here in the 20th century. The best athletes of that time came to the city for training. It was from Poti that the legendary rower Victor Kratasiuk, who celebrated the Olympic championship at the 1972 Munich Olympics, was from Poti.
It should be noted that Maltakvi’s water area is rich in water, which is vital for developing aquatic species. Due to the climatic conditions in Poti, the water does not freeze in winter, which allows athletes to train continuously even in winter.
For years, rowers faced many problems during training due to the need for a base near the water. These problems included athletes having to carry boats and special equipment by hand for a long distance. After the opening of the base, these problems will be eliminated.
In 2021, the former Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia, Thea Tsulukiani, visited the territory of the former Maltakvi canoe and rowing base in Poti and got acquainted with the situation there, after which it was planned to restore the base.
Prospective young people who need support can participate in training and competitions in a space corresponding to international standards; the base will also host foreign athletes. As a result, Georgia’s great sports traditions in rowing and canoeing will be properly restored. It should be noted that the Maltakvi base will contribute to the development and popularization of other types of water sports.
The Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia continues to arrange sports infrastructure of modern international standards to develop Georgian sports and promote athletes.
