Georgia’s PM announces bonuses for non-medal olympians at Tbilisi ceremony

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday announced that all Georgian Olympians who did not secure a medal at the Olympic Games would receive a bonus of 50,000 GEL. He made this announcement during a welcoming ceremony for the athletes at the Palace of State Ceremonies in Tbilisi.

“A 50,000 GEL bonus will be awarded to all team members who, despite not winning medals, contributed to our overall success,” Kobakhidze said.

In addition to the athletes, Kobakhidze confirmed that coaches, medical staff, and other personnel involved with Georgia’s Olympic team would also receive increased bonuses.

The PM also highlighted the champions would be honored with the Order of Victory named after St. George, while prize-winners will receive the Order of Honor.

“Our champions will receive the highest state awards: the Order of Victory named after St. George, and for our prize-winners, the Order of Honor,” Kobakhidze noted.

The event, which was held at the Palace of State Ceremonies, was only open to invited guests and journalists. Public access to the athletes was restricted.

President Salome Zourabichvili did not attend the ceremony. She said that she was informed about the event only a few hours before it took place. During a briefing on Thursday, she expressed her intention to organize a public celebration for the athletes.

“This is an issue that unites the country and society. We should celebrate together, not in a closed space, but as a public celebration,” Zourabichvili said, adding that Georgia’s Paralympians have yet to return to the country.