The Georgian National Olympic Committee paid tribute to its entire generation of Olympians (1952-2018) in a ceremony at the Rustaveli Theatre on 23 June 2018.

The Forum – dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the creation of the first Democratic Republic of Georgia and the 70^th anniversary of the International Olympic Day – gathered under the same roof a total of 395 Olympians, from 27 sports, winning a total of 126 medals including 39 gold.

Georgian NOC invited honorary guests from the EOC, WOA, ISOH and NOCs, as well as Members of the Georgian Parliament, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Minister of Sport and Culture Mikheil Giorgadze who extended their high appreciation to the great contribution of Georgian Olympians to the Olympic history of the country.

The Olympians and all the participants at the Forum were welcomed by the IOC President Thomas Bach with his inspiring video message: “You have every reason to be proud today. Your Olympic athletes are the best ambassadors for your country. Through their performances at the Olympic Games they have put Georgia firmly on the map of the sport in the world. Their success, your success brought so much pride and joy to everyone in Georgia”.

NOC President and Olympic Champion Leri Khabelov gave a warm speech confirming the esteem and pride of the Georgian Olympians: “We are witnesses and participants  of the great historic event now – so many Olympians, the starts of Georgian sport has gathered here under one roof”, said Khabelov. “This day will become a significant page in the sport history as clear evidence of the unity of all generation Olympians”, also added.

EOC Vice President Niels Nygaard in his speech also stressed the long-lasting sport tradition of the country: “Georgia has a great history of Olympic sport, and many excellent results have been achieved throughout the years. The Olympic values are also important to strengthen sports participation for everybody. When you practice sport, you feel better, you get a better life and you get more friends”.

All Olympians were awarded with the special trophy of the NOC created on occasion of this milestone date.

At the same time, another important event was ongoing all over the world and also in Georgia: the Olympic Day. An Olympic Run was organised in the capital city Tbilisi and other big cities throughout Georgia, where over 3000 people were actively involved in many fun sports events.

It was a wide scale celebration featuring several sports activities, actions and entertainment and encouraging people of all ages to lead healthy lifestyle and promote the role of sport.