Abkhazia Region Teams Receive Equipment Under the Basketball Development Program

GBF 2026-05-03
Abkhazia Region Teams Receive Equipment Under the Basketball Development Program

The joint project between the Georgia Basketball Federation (GBF) and the FIBA Youth Development Fund (YDF), aimed at popularizing basketball across the regions, continues its successful implementation. This time, a special visit was conducted — Federation representatives visited teams from the Abkhazia region that continue to operate in Tbilisi due to the temporary occupation.

Symbolic Hosting at Public School No. 51

On May 1st, program leaders visited Tbilisi Public School No. 51, which serves as one of the primary basketball hubs for Sokhumi teams. The guests were hosted by Lika Kajaia, head coach of the Sokhumi Basketball School. The meeting was also attended by Vakhtang Kvilitaya, coach of Sokhumi “Storm” operating in the Mukhiani district, who received the allocated equipment for his team.

The teams from the Abkhazia region were visited by GBF Vice-President Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Head of the Regional Department and Program Manager Shalva Oniani, and Federation representatives Tornike Gogichaishvili, Mate Antia, and Irakli Pertaia.

Innovative Equipment for Future Stars

Consistent with other regions of Georgia, the Abkhazian teams received the diverse equipment essential for modern training:

  • Dribbling Goggles: Specialized eyewear designed to improve ball-handling skills by preventing young players from looking down at the ball.

  • Sporting Gear: High-quality basketballs, uniforms, coaching boards, and whistles.

  • Technical Equipment: FIBA-standard consoles, backboards, rims, and other necessary basketball accessories.

Program Philosophy and Impact

The project is now in its fourth year of operation, and its success is built upon a unique financial model: the Federation at least doubles the funds received from FIBA (YDF) using its own budget. This approach ensures that every city or village with active basketball participation can receive substantial assistance.

The results are evident — for instance, systematic support with equipment in Ozurgeti has led to a 500% increase in the number of participating children. This is precisely the primary goal of the program: to facilitate the emergence of new basketball hubs, as seen in the village of Potskho (Senaki municipality), and to strengthen existing schools.

Visits to the regions will continue actively. The Federation also plans to involve its Medical Department in the program to provide teams with specialized medical equipment. The objective remains unchanged — no region in Georgia should be left without the proper equipment necessary for young basketball players to train at a full-fledged level.