Chairman of the Government of Ajara Zurab Pataradze Meets with Sports Federations and Veteran Athletes

Zurab Pataradze, the Chairman of the Government of Ajara, alongside Maia Khajishvili, the Minister of Education and Sport, held a meeting with veteran athletes and the heads of regional sports federations operating in Ajara.

The discussion centered on the ongoing activities of the federations, the specific developmental needs of sports across all six municipalities of the region, and avenues for future cooperation.

"Supporting our youth, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and developing modern sports infrastructure remain our top priorities. Continuous communication and close collaboration with the sports community are essential to achieving these goals," stated Zurab Pataradze.

The Chairman expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the sports sector for their outstanding achievements and emphasized the invaluable role that coaches play in mentoring the younger generation. As of late September this year, athletes from the region have secured a total of 339 medals, including 91 gold at various World, European, and Georgian national youth and senior championships.

The Government of Ajara continues to actively champion the development of sports across the region. This year, the government increased funding for sports federations, with 46 organizations currently receiving financial backing from the Department of Sports. Additionally, one-off cash awards and athletic scholarships were expanded. By decision of the Head of Government, special one-off financial rewards were also presented to the Batumi rugby, basketball, and handball clubs, all of which hold national championship titles.

Looking forward, Zurab Pataradze announced a planned 25% increase in sports funding for the upcoming year. The Chairman also highlighted the necessity of expanding support programs for veteran athletes, emphasizing the importance of their continued engagement in the sector. Regarding infrastructure, it was noted that efforts will persist in developing local sports grounds and ensuring the timely completion of ongoing major projects. Furthermore, particular emphasis was placed on the strategic potential of sports tourism, with the Chairman noting that Ajara is well-positioned to host large-scale international sports events and championships.

The meeting concluded with an interactive dialogue, where participants discussed current challenges, optimized support mechanisms for athletes, and explored opportunities for implementing new regional projects.