Georgian Judo Federation to cover athletes’ academic fees

Georgia's judo athletes looking for academic degrees will be financially supported by their federation in a new initiative designed to offer them better access to higher education.

Announced by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia earlier today, the move will see judokas of the senior and junior national teams showing promise in academic study offered support in enrolling at local universities.

The program is created by the initiative of the Georgian Judo Federation and involves support from their sponsors.

The program will also offer academic opportunities to junior athletes such as European Youth Olympic Festival winner Mariam Tchanturia (right). Photo: European Judo Union.

[The initiative] will support students [among the athletes] via the federation budget and sponsor finances. I believe the knowledge and experience [the program allows participants to receive] will be very beneficial for them", said Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia Tariel Khechikashvili while commenting on the announcement.

Georgian Judo Federation President Davit Kevkhishvili said the initiative would enable the federation to "support raising not only champions but also educated generations".

The program will completely cover tuition fees for the athletes who apply but are not awarded existing state grants for higher education.

The initiative has been announced as "first-ever" for local sport and will involve a number of athletes starting the upcoming academic year in Georgia.