The European Olympic Committees (EOC) today (12 February) announced the creation of the Nodar Kumaritashvili Award, to be awarded to the best boy and best girl athletes at the Winter European Youth Festival Bakuriani 2025.
The award has been created in memory of and to honour Georgian luger Kumaritashvili, who was born and raised in Bakuriani. He was set to compete at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010, before tragically passing away in an accident during final practice on the morning of the opening ceremony, at the age of 21.
EOC President Spyros Capralos announced the new award during a ceremony at Kumaritashvili’s gravesite in Bakuriani on the 15th anniversary of his tragic passing. He was joined by members of Kumaritashvili’s family members, Georgian NOC President Leri Khabelov, Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee President Mamuka Khabareli and members of the EOC Executive Committee.
The decision to name the award after Kumaritashvili was made by the EOC together with the Georgian NOC and Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee. President Capralos paid tribute to the former luger and said:
“The EOC is honoured and humbled to announce the creation of the Nodar Kumaritashvili Award alongside the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee and the Georgian NOC.
“Bakuriani was immensely proud of Kumaritashvili, who was truly one of their own, growing up and learning the sport here under the guidance of his father, David, and his uncle, Felix. It was a privilege to meet with David on Sunday when I arrived in Bakuriani, where we discussed his son’s career, and the legacy he left.
“On the 15th anniversary of his passing, it is only fitting that the EOC pays tribute to one of Bakuriani and Georgia’s favourite sons. We attended a short, moving ceremony at his gravesite to mark the occasion and look forward to presenting the Nodar Kumaritashvili Award to two outstanding young athletes at the closing ceremony on Sunday.”
Georgian NOC President Khabelov said: “We are grateful to the EOC for their collaboration on this Award which serves as a fitting tribute to Nodar Kumaritashvili.
“Since the most tragic day of Georgia’s Olympic history, we have sought to honour Nodar’s memory and ensure his contributions to Olympism are never forgotten.
“It will be an emotional and poignant moment for us all at the Closing Ceremony when we present the Nodar Kumaritashvili Award to the best male and best female athletes at a Winter EYOF held in his home town.”
