Insight into Olympic Solidarity Scholarship holder for London 2012

Khatuna NARAMINIDZE (GEO) is among the thirteen lucky archers who have been granted a scholarship.   The scholarship covers the expenses for training and participation at Olympic qualifying tournaments, World Championships, etc.   The Georgian female athlete Khatuna NARAMINIDZE, 37 years old, graduated from a Sport Academy in Georgia. Before discovering her passion for archery, she practiced kayak peddling. She is a member of her local governmental administration (Khelvachauri district of Ajara Autonomy) for the development of sport. She is devoted to her family when she is not training or competing and she also trains young archers from Khelvachauri.   World Archery contacted her to have an insight on her Olympic preparation and the benefits of this scholarship. She says: "The scholarship is a great relief for my Olympic preparation and without it, it would be difficult. It has covered my health condition improvement, since I had surgery some time ago, and I was able to purchase archery equipment. I learned of this Olympic Solidarity programme through my National Olympic Committee when I was informed by my national federation that I was granted this scholarship. I feel privileged and more archers should benefit of this programme. My Olympic preparation is mainly focused on mental and physical training with my coach, AN Hyung Sang from Korea, known as Archie. It is also important for me to participate at tournaments and major competitions to improve my level and learn from my mistakes."   World Archery is still far from its goal in terms of number of scholarships for archery. However, the situation is progressing. World Archery reminds its Member Associations to apply for Olympic Solidarity programmes for the development of archery worldwide. All information related to these programmes can be found in the Olympic Solidarity Guide 2009-2012.   World Archery would like to thank Khatuna NARAMINIDZE for her engagement in transmitting archery to the younger generations and wish her all the best in her Olympic preparation.   World Archery Development Department