2021-09-04
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We have demonstrated with our achievements and heroism that rugby is our game. Results that we have attained in this very short time are truly gratifying. It was announced by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia when meeting the rugby players at AIA rugby arena in Kutaisi today.
The Head of Government of Georgia thanked them and highlighted the special role played by Cartu Fund and Bidzina Ivanishvili in the development of rugby infrastructure throughout the country.
"I wish to greet our praiseworthy rugby players, our celebrated and legendary sportsmen with great respect and thank you as a Head of Government and as a regular citizen of the country for the great pride and joy, which you brought to us - to the entire nation. We have demonstrated with our achievements and heroism that rugby is our game. Results that we have attained in this very short time are truly gratifying. Cartu Fund and namely Bidzina Ivanishvili made a tremendous contribution to the development of rugby in the country. Some 12 years ago, Bidzina Ivanishvili was the person who made a significant - solid - investment in the development of rugby. Development of infrastructure for rugby was the destination of his investments in the value of 100 MLN USD. This amount - each cent of a dollar - has been converted into a real, tangible outcome. Of course, you deserved it, our dear - our praiseworthy - sportsmen and it is a result of the prudently defined, planned and implemented investments" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
As for the plans ahead, according to the Head of Government of Georgia, Soso Tkemaladze presented his vision to the cabinet in the capacity of a President of Rugby Union on the development of this sports type and its advancement to a higher level. As Irakli Garibashvili noted, the plan envisages the construction of almost 100 new base stations nation-wide.
"It is truly remarkable and gratifying that our small country with a very strong and unbeatable rugby team ranks 12th in the world. Our ambition is to soon enter the Top 5 and we will do our best for this together - Government, private sector and of course you - our sportsmen. You will have the maximum support for the government and businesses. I believe that many will get engaged in this process to double the achievements made so far. The referred development plan envisages dozens of new sports locations to be created throughout the country. Almost 100 base stations will be built in every municipality to make sure that hundreds and thousands of aspiring young people start playing rugby and for us to facilitate the healthy lifestyle in the country. What is most important, we have seen that Georgian people are profoundly successful in playing rugby. That is why you deserve greater support and encouragement. From my side and on behalf of the Government of Georgia, I once again wish to state that you will have full support. We pledge full readiness and commitment to provide maximum support to make sure that rugby develops further and that we achieve much more results to celebrate together and feel proud" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Sportsmen gathered at the rugby arena were also greeted and addressed with public speeches by Thea Tsulukiani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia; Soso Tkemaladze, President of Rugby Union of Georgia.
Press Service of the Government Administration