Rati Ionatamishvili, Chairman of the Paralympic Committee and the ruling Georgian Dream party MP, has criticized President Salome Zourabichvili for allegedly using Paralympians in her political rhetoric.
Ionatamishvili’s remarks came after Zourabichvili announced on Thursday that she would not attend the government-organized awards ceremony for athletes participating in the Paris Olympics.
Zourabichvili, during a briefing at her administration, cited several reasons for her decision, including the timing of the event, which she criticized as premature since the Olympic Games were still ongoing and Georgia’s Paralympians would return after September 8.
In response, Ionatamishvili said, “It is unacceptable and irresponsible for anyone, including President Zourabichvili, to use the name of Paralympians for their political agenda.” He emphasized that the state maintained equal support for both Olympic and Paralympic movements, evidenced by equal scholarship programs, legal status for both Olympic and Paralympic Committees, and recognition and incentive programs for athletes, coaches, and doctors.
Ionatamishvili further criticized Zourabichvili for not mentioning Paralympians during her speech at the Olympians’ send-off on July 23. “If she perceived it as discrimination, why did she remain silent then? The Paralympians’ send-off event on July 31 was conducted at the highest level, and it was a significant occasion for promoting Paralympic sports,” he added.
He also dismissed claims of discrimination as “frivolous and ridiculous,” noting that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris had separate opening and closing ceremonies.
“With just days left before the Paralympics, our para-athletes are actively preparing for Paris 2024 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia. Using them for political gain is entirely unacceptable,” Ionatamishvili concluded.
