Prime Minister of Georgia emphasised Government`s commitment to fostering sporting excellence in the country during a ceremony honouring members of the Georgian National Figure Skating Team and representatives of the Georgian Figure Skating Federation with state awards.

"Monetary rewards have been set for prizewinners. Vice-champions Luka Berulava and Anastasia Metelkina will each receive GEL 500,000 for securing their podium positions.

Each athlete participating in the Winter Olympic Games will receive GEL 50,000 for obtaining an Olympic license and for participating in the Olympic Games. Behind this success stands a very large and distinguished team of professionals, and I would like to express special thanks to the coaches. Eteri Tutberidze and Pavel Sliusarenko have made a very significant contribution to this success.

The activities of the federation also deserve special recognition. The outstanding results achieved by our country in recent times are precisely the result of the federation’s successful work. I would like to thank the president of the federation and every employee for their exceptional patriotism and effort, the result of which is our sporting achievements", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He wished success to Paralympic athletes at the Winter Paralympic Games, where identical monetary awards would be established.

"Once again, I want to thank all of you. Today you will receive the highest state awards, which are an expression of our gratitude. These are the awards that you deserve from the state of Georgia.

I would like to express the readiness of the Georgian government to do its utmost for the success of sports in Georgia. Large investments are being made for this purpose, and everything will continue to be done so that Georgian sports achieve even greater results", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.