Poti: A new canoe and rowing base has been opened in Maltakva. This news base has been opened with the support of the Georgian Ministry of Culture and Sports.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze and the Minister of Culture and Sports, Tinatin Rukhadze attended the base’s inauguration ceremony. The first Deputy Minister, Shalva Gogoladze, members of the government and many other officials along with representatives of the local self-government also attended the event.
The construction of the base was started in 2023. The building is fully equipped with sports equipment, furniture and equipment. The project cost is up to 7 million GEL and includes training, residential and administrative spaces for sports infrastructure.
Moreover it includes 22 hotel-type rooms, a sauna, dressing rooms, showers and a conference room. The building is adapted for people with disabilities and has an independent power supply for undisturbed activities.
It is worth noting that the city of Poti holds a special place in the history of Georgian rowing. Rowing was very popular here in the 20th century and 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 belongs.
It should be noted that Maltakvi’s water area is rich in water, which is vital for developing aquatic sports. Similarly due to the climatic conditions in Poti, the water does not freeze in winter which allows athletes to train even in winter.
For years due to the lack of a base near the water, rowers faced many problems during training. Athletes had to carry boats and special equipment over long distances by hand, but after the base’s opening, these problems were eliminated.
In 2021 the former Minister of Culture and Sports of Georgia, Tea Tsulukiani visited the territory of the former Maltakvi canoe and rowing base in Poti and got acquainted with the existing situation there after which the base was planned to be restored.
Currently promising young people who need support will be able to train and participate in competitions in a space corresponding to international standards; the base will also host foreign athletes and the great sports traditions of Georgia in rowing and canoeing.
