EuroBasket 2015 Trophy Tour makes historic visit to Tbilisi

TBILISI (EuroBasket 2015) - A busy July for Frenkie and the Nikolai Semashko Trophy continued this past weekend in Tbilisi in what was the maiden journey for the EuroBasket trophy to Georgia's capital city. 

Frenkie and the trophy's visit followed a common trend that has unravelled wherever they have gone this summer, with children and fans alike swarming the duo in the capital for photo opportunities.

Friday saw Frenkie and the Trophy out and about seeing the sights of Tbilisi as part of a video shoot, taking a short break to appear live at midday on Rustavi 2 TV, before continuing their tour of the city.

Also appearing on the TV show were Georgia Superleague and Youth Championships Executive Director Giorgi Zabakhidze; national team assistant coach Kote Tagushi; and national team players Giorgi Shermadini and George Tsintsadze.

"We started to prepare one week ago with physical training in Tbilisi," explained Tagushi, ahead of September's EuroBasket 2015.

"We have planned an efficient preparation period during which we will play in several international tournaments and friendly games and this will help us get ready for the main battle.

"Our group is obviously very difficult, but there are no weak teams at EuroBasket."

Tsintsadze talked of reaching ambitious goals: "EuroBasket 2015 is one of the last chances for our generation and we will do everything to show our real strength and possibilities.

"We are not thinking only about making it to the playoffs, but our goal is to achieve some high goals.

"We have a pretty good roster and fortunately, we are all healthy. So, let's see what happens at EuroBasket 2015."

On Saturday the trophy was on display in Tbilisi Mall which was playing host to the Georgian National 3x3 Championship Final. Members of the national team; legends Givi Bichiashvili, Nodar Korkia, Paata Guraspauli; Georgian Basketball Federation Secretary General Giga Kartvelishvili; and Minister of Sports and Youth Tariel Khechikashvili were also in attendance.

"This [The EuroBasket Trophy Tour] is a very important and nice event for the entire Georgian basketball community as this trophy is a truly valued award," stated Khechikashvili.

"Our ministry supports basketball as one of the most popular sports in Georgia and I hope, our collaboration and intense work with the Georgian National Basketball Federation will give us the chance in the future to bring the EuroBasket trophy to Georgia forever."

Later this week, Frenkie and trophy will be in the Moscow Region of Russia where they will attend the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women.

 Go to eurobasket2015.org for complete coverage of EuroBasket 2015.

FIBA