Wheelchair fencer Irma Khetsuriani becomes UNICEF Ambassador in Georgia

Irma Khetsuriani, Georgia’s two-time wheelchair fencing World Champion, European Champion and winner of 22 World Cup gold medals, has been designated the new Ambassador of the United Nations Children's Fund in Georgia.

The Georgian Paralympic Committee on Wednesday said Khetsuriani had been nominated by the UNICEF as one of its Ambassadors.

The fencer said it was a “great honour and also a great responsibility for me to carry this status”.

Both as the Ambassador of UNICEF and as a para-athlete, all activities related to protection of children's rights are important [...] I am ready to take care of the future of our children”, she said in reaction to the news.

The Committee stressed UNICEF ambassadors played a “vital role” in advocating children's rights, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and increasing public awareness around their needs.