Similar to the Olympic Games, Paralympians will be awarded the same of awards, all those para-athletes who have not won a medal will also be awarded 50,000 GEL, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said during his speech at the welcoming ceremony of Paralympians.
“Up to 2012, only three athletes took part in the Paralympic Games, while in the Paris Games,14 Paralympians participated, and nine of them returned home with medals.
We made an announcement before the Paralympic Games that similar to the Olympic Games, the same amount of awards would be set for the medalists, and of course, these awards will be duly given in the shortest possible time. In this case, I want to mention that all those para-athletes who have not won a medal will also be awarded GEL 50,000. Appreciating your success is our special debt.
Also, I would like to remind you that together with the Chairman of the Parliament, we made a decision to reward all the medalists, they are nominated for the highest state awards. Irma Khetsuriani is also nominated for the highest state award, the coaches are nominated for the respective awards. The decision to submit to orders has already been made, and these orders, the highest awards, will be presented to you tomorrow. I would like to thank the Paralympic Committee, Mr. Rati personally, for his special efforts and heart-felt work, he has put his whole heart and soul into the development of para-sports.
A special thanks goes naturally to all the relevant federations, I would like to thank the Minister of Culture and Sports, Tea Tsulukiani, and the Ministry as a whole, a lot of people were involved in achieving the success of our Parasport in general and the Paralympic team. I thank each employee for the special contribution to this success. I want to thank the coaches, doctors, technical team, and once again, special thanks to the Paralympians, your victory was a matter of special pride for every Georgian, every fan, thank you for the pride and joy you gave us”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.