“I am delighted that at the year’s end I am attending the athletes’ awards ceremony, which allows me not only to join in the heartfelt congratulations, but also to speak once more about the importance of Georgian sport, from both a sporting and state perspective,” Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, stated in his address at the 2025 Athlete of the Year awards ceremony.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, sport is victory, which is achieved through the most difficult work, obstacles, numerous falls, and failures.

“Georgian sport and its centuries-old history represent a true source of pride for our country. That heroic and glorious martial tradition which our nation has maintained and cultivated over millennia has been taken up with equal vigour by Georgian sport, and it delights us each time with its high achievements. Sport is a way of life, characterised by work, dedication, the sharing and passing on of knowledge between generations, dignity, and chivalry. It accompanies an athlete throughout their entire life, not merely during their active years.

Sport is earned honour and esteem, which adds to an athlete’s personal dignity and obliges them to bear this dignity responsibly. For a country like ours, sport means carrying our nation’s name with pride, flying its flag high, hearing its anthem ring out loudly, and celebrating victories as a nation. Sport is victory, which is achieved through the most difficult work, obstacles, numerous falls, and failures, but which, combined with talent, is invincible and steadfast,” Shalva Papuashvili declared.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, Georgia’s best sporting days lie ahead, and Georgian athletes will achieve many more significant victories.

“Today in this hall, we see celebrated athletes from several generations who have carried our country’s name with honour. Today, this event is being watched by thousands of people, including countless children, for whom our country’s sporting history, achievements, and present serve as a source of inspiration and pride. They offer motivation and determination to elevate Georgia’s name faster, higher, and stronger. Most importantly, for every supporter of Georgian sport, Georgian sport is that special joy which gladdens our hearts, enthuses our minds, and gives energy to our work.

Because we recognise the vital role that sport plays as a catalyst for the nation, we dedicate considerable attention to it and support its development and promotion. We believe that Georgia’s best days are still to come, and that together, in this and other venues, we will celebrate many more victories by our athletes,” stated Papuashvili.