The President of Georgia commented on the fact that a Georgian skater – Elene Gedevanishvili achieved success at the European Championship and took third place, receiving a Bronze medal. Mikheil Saakashvili spoke with the Georgian skater on the phone and personally congratulated her on such an important victory. The Head of State recalled the fact of the deportation of Georgians from Russia in 2006, among whom was Elene Gedevanishvili. The Government of Georgia hired a foreign coach for her, sent her to Canada, and assisted with her career development path. As the President noted, that not only is Elene Gedevanishvili a symbol of sport, but she is also a symbol of Georgian civil responsibility.

“I would like to use the opportunity to congratulate the entire nation on the Elene’s victory. This is the second time she received a bronze medal at the European Championship in figure skating, which is extremely important. This girl represents a very important symbol for us. You probably remember how many obstacles she had to overcome as a little girl in 2006, but she did not give up and she defended her honor and the name of her country to the end. Elene Gedevanishvili practically created a new type of sport in Georgia. I have seen with my own eyes that tens of thousands of children are actively following this sport in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi and cities where appropriate infrastructure is in place and developing. This is Elene’s merit” Stated the President of Georgia.

Mikheil Saakashvili wished the Georgian skater success and advancement in the future.