I AM – Georgia
The Georgia team arrived first to the competitors’ village at Shades of Green and were eager to get the competition started. It didn’t take long for the country to get its first competitor on the winner’s podium with a silver medal across his chest. Giorgi Bochorishvili sped down the track to place second in the men’s 100 meter dash IT6 event. The cheers from him teammates and coach could be heard throughout the stands.
“For the first moment I could not realize what happened and when I understood, it was an amazing feeling to bring a medal back home,” he explained.
The rest of the Georgia competitors participated in Archery, Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing, but they really captured everyone’s attention at the Sitting Volleyball semifinals. Losing the first set to the UK, the Georgia team came in strong to tie the game in the second set with intense team huddles and intimidating chanting. The final set kept everyone on the edge of their seats, but the UK was able to claim the final set and advance.
Re-setting their focus to the bronze medal match, Georgia proved once again that they were a force to be reckoned with when they beat the Netherlands to join the U.S. and UK on the podium. In a true display of sportsmanship, the UK and Georgia team have been sharing tips via Skype leading up to the Games. For the Georgia team, this is what the Games are all about. “The most important thing is to make friends and to learn from each other,” said Besarion Gudushauri, Georgia’s captain.
The 2016 Games aren’t over yet, but Georgia is already looking to the future to Toronto in 2017.
“The Games have been amazing, it’s allowed us to make friendships, restart our sporting careers and encourage others to achieve by joining us,” said Gudushauri. “I am humbled to a part of these Games. A huge thank you from the Georgian team to Prince Harry and to all those involved for all his efforts in transforming so many of our lives.”
