The local administration of the Kutaisi Municipality organised an award ceremony. This was to honour the best athletes of 2023. The event awarded prizes to athletes, coaches, teams and clubs who had important sporting achievements this year.
Kutaisi Mayor Joseph Khakhaleishvili and representatives of local self-government awarded these successful athletes prizes.It is to be specifically mentioned that”The awarding of the best athletes of the year is one of the most important events in the sporting life of the city. This year again the tradition continues and today, the best athletes and coaches from Kutaisi were awarded”.
The Mayor of the municipality said that we are always ready to encourage athletes and support sports development in the local area of the municipality. I’m glad that in 2023, many athletes from Kutaisi made us proud in national or international arenas, in individual and team competitions”.
“Congratulations to each of these players, as well as their coaches, for this success! , I believe that in 2024, our athletes will win even more. ” Said the Mayor of Kutaisi, Joseph Khakhaleishvili.
Following is the list of the award winner athletes:
Sandro Bazadze became the sportsman of 2023 (Farikaoba, coach. Merab Bazadze ).
The best athlete of the year in the Olympic event – Shota Mishvelidze (weightlifting. The coach is the best. Malkhaz Lomtadze).
The best athlete of the year in the non-Olympic category – Avtandil Tutberidze (arm wrestling, coach) Irakli Gamtenadze ).
The best Paralympian of the year – Vakhtang Akhobadze (para arm wrestling). The coach is the best. Irakli Gamtenadze).
The best female athlete of the year – Nana Khorava (weightlifting, coach. Ilia Tvalodze ).
Young athlete of the year – Anastasia Kirtadze (chess, coach. Giga Kuparadze ).
The best team/club of the year is the football club “Torpedo”.
The best women’s team of the year – the Kutaisi volleyball team.
The best sports school of the year – 12th sports school
the best coach of the year – Steve Keane (“Torpedo”)
Ten successful athletes of the year were also named at the event. The award ceremony was held at “Shengelia Arena”.
On this occassion the judo team was dresses in their uniform. There was also a musical performance given by the artist that mesmerised everyone.
It is to be noted that the winners of the prizes were also given the letter of appreciation. According to the mayor, to provide world-class facilities to the players, more sports grounds and complexes will be established in the local jurisdiction of the municipality.
Attendees of the event lauded the achievement of the sportsperson and said that with the support of the local government, these athlete could achieve more success for the country in future.They also demanded that the budget allocation for the sports must be enhanced.
