For the first time in history, UCMAS Georgia participated in the prestigious International Competition and World Cup hosted by UCMAS, the world’s largest abacus-based mental arithmetic competition. Representing Georgia with pride and excellence, 11 young talents aged 7 to 13 competed alongside over 6,000 participants from 80 countries, bringing home multiple accolades, including the Bronze World Cup.
Celebrating the Champions
The remarkable Georgian delegation achieved outstanding results in various categories:
- 1st Runner-Up: Zuka Falqosadze (Category F)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Charbel-Maroun Nehme (Category D), Saba Davitadze (Category C), Lekso Leshauri, and Robert Lotfullin (Category B)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Mate Kobiashvili (Category F), Mariam Shoshitashvili (Category C), David Shoshitashvili, Mark Chebotarevich (Category B), Maiko Falqosadze (Category B), and Daniel Bandzeladze (Category B)
Additionally, Georgia earned the Bronze World Cup, with stellar performances from Zuka Falqosadze, Charbel-Maroun Nehme, Mate Kobiashvili, and Mariam Shoshitashvili.
A Year of Preparation and Hard Work
According to Mrs. Sahar Harb, CEO of UCMAS Georgia, this achievement is the culmination of an entire year’s effort. Students underwent rigorous training after the National Championship in September 2024, where over 200 Georgian students competed on a grand stage. She commented, “Our mission is to provide ‘Education with a Difference,’ to unlock children’s brain potential and give them a platform to showcase their skills globally. Seeing our students excel at such a prestigious international event fills us with immense pride.”
The journey to New Delhi was equally transformative for students, parents, and teachers. While students battled nerves and excitement, their parents were awestruck by the competition’s scale and the remarkable displays of mental prowess from children worldwide. Teachers deepened their commitment to UCMAS after witnessing the tangible outcomes of their dedication.
Empowering Students for the Future
This competition wasn’t just a stage for mental arithmetic – it was a transformative experience that built confidence, fostered global connections, and honed critical skills such as focus, memory, and observation. “Competitions like these not only bring out the best in our students but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of achievements. The program’s unique approach, supported by research from institutions like Harvard and the University of California, ensures students excel in academics and beyond, from tennis to chess,” Mrs. Harb highlighted.
Looking Ahead
This historic milestone underscores UCMAS Georgia’s vision of advancing global education standards and aspirations. “Our dream is to host the international competition in Georgia one day,” said Mrs. Harb. She also emphasized the importance of building partnerships to enable more students to represent the country in the future, “We thank the parents for their unwavering support and are committed to finding sponsors to create opportunities for exceptional students.”
A Nation Inspired
The achievements of UCMAS Georgia have inspired young minds across the country. As one parent aptly expressed, “This is not just about winning awards; it’s about unlocking possibilities and proving that Georgian children can achieve greatness on a global stage.”
With centers in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and Telavi, UCMAS Georgia continues its mission to equip students with the tools for success. Mrs. Harb concluded, “This is only the beginning. The courage and accomplishments of our students this year will motivate hundreds of others to join UCMAS, preparing them for a future of endless opportunities.”
