Renowned former football player turned manager and founder of the charitable organization AAA Foundation, Shota Arveladze is confirmed to deliver the welcome speech at the upcoming SBC Summit Tbilisi.
The conference will be held at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace on October 23-24 and will delve into the opportunities and challenges of the sports betting and iGaming industries in Georgia and neighboring regions, including Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Balkans, among others.
In the talk titled ‘Local Success Going Global‘, Arveladze will explore the key role played by international organizations, whether in the sporting domain or other industries, in promoting regional development.
These organizations provide crucial resources, training and infrastructure, while raising the global visibility of regional initiatives.
In sport specifically, these organizations provide exposure to international standards and financial support through funding and sponsorships, which in turn attract fans, sponsors and opportunities for players.
Arveladze said: “Sport is something that crosses borders and I was lucky enough to experience its magical ability to bring people together. Whether on the field or in life, I have seen incredible things that can happen when we collaborate. I have always aimed to show how partnerships at international level can make a big difference in regional football.”
The former football star will also provide valuable insights into how the sports betting industry can act as a catalyst for sports development through strategic partnerships.
“We all know that the betting industry plays an important role in sport today, so I am very happy that SBC and SMH have brought this event to my country and are giving us all the opportunity to discuss how we can do better” , added Arveladze.
Career of Shota Arveladze
Arveladze’s illustrious 18-year career transcends borders, encompassing national and international achievements. His legacy is firmly established as one of Georgia‘s biggest football stars, thanks to his time as a striker for highly regarded clubs such as hometown side Dinamo Tbilisi, Trabzonspor, Ajax and Rangers.
In his coaching career, Arveladze started at Kayserispor in 2010 and, more recently, played for Hull City, an EFL Championship club. Furthermore, Arveladze continues to defend the development of football in the region, highlighting the crucial role of international partnerships.
The former footballer’s Foundation is a testament to his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, not only in the world of sport, but also in wider spheres.
It serves as a platform for Arveladze’s philanthropic initiatives, channeling resources and efforts into various projects that aim to nurture talent, promote the sporting spirit and advocate inclusion in the world of sports.
Through this foundation, he aims to create opportunities for aspiring athletes, provide support to marginalized communities and promote positive change through the universal language of sport.
Participation in the SBC Summit Tbilisi
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, said: “It is truly inspiring to witness athletes who continue to make a difference even after their professional careers have ended. Shota has led numerous efforts to support his nation and empower young talent, and it is a tremendous privilege to welcome you as a keynote speaker at our event in your hometown of Tbilisi.”
Earlier this year, SBC and SMH, co-organizers of the SBC Summit Tbilisi, partnered with Arveladze’s Foundation to support the charity football match, Game4Ukraine 2023.
This significant event included football icons past and present, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Andriy Shevchenko serving as team captains, all with the aim of generating funds to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
