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35TH HOMENETMEN NAVASARTIAN GAMES KICK OFF
Asbarez
Friday, May 14th, 2010
VAN NUYS-The Homenetmen's 35th Annual Navasartian Athletic Games
officially began on Saturday, May 8 at Birmingham High School with
a series of basketball games.
Earlier that same day, the blessing of the Navasartian torch, now a
customary event, was held at the Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. In
attendance were Homenetmen Central Executive Vice-Chairperson Koko
Balian; Honorary President of the 33rd Navasartian Games Vahagn
Thomassian; previous "Exemplary Homenetmen Member" title bearers
Zakar Chorbajian and Albert Ounjian; representatives of Homenetmen
chapter executives; ARS "Anahid" chapter members; numerous parents,
guests, and athletes.
Rev. Father Razmig Khatchadourian presided over the event and conveyed
his blessing remarks, which entailed delivering a symbolic message
for the torch light to represent a guiding light in the lives of
each Armenian family and athlete. He also shared the blessings
and congratulatory wishes of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian.
After attendees joined Rev. Father Khatchadourian in a collective
prayer, the Navasartian torch was set aflame by a single candle,
blessed beforehand. Regional Executive Chairperson Steve Artinian
passed the torch to the athletes representing the region's 17 chapters,
who thereby delivered it to Birmingham High School and, in doing so,
initiated the Opening Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with Homenetmen San Fernando Valley "Massis"
chapter scouts marching with the American, Armenian, Artsakh, State
of California, Homenetmen, and Navasartian flags. Following this
procession, the American and Armenian national anthems, as well as
the Homenetmen anthem, played.
Then, Nyree Derderian delivered the Navasartian Committee's message
with great pride that the Navasartian Games have embarked on its 35th
year and, at the same time, the opening ceremonies have coincided with
two great events, including the anniversary of Shushi's liberation
and Mother's Day weekend. She happily noted the reality that the youth
participating in the games are products not only of Homenetmen but also
the greater Armenian community, which will undeniably demonstrate their
support of the athletes through their presence in the coming weekends.
Following Derderian, Chairperson Steve Artinian welcomed all guests
and commended the thousands of people who, year after year, volunteer
their time for the benefit of the coming generation's future. He
also announced the 2010 "Exemplary Homenetmen Member," Berj Jamjian,
outlining his great attributes. Jamjian expressed his thanks for
having the title bestowed upon him and communicated the immense pride
he feels for being a part of Homenetmen.
Artinian also presented the Honorary President of the 2010 Navasartian
Athletic Games, George Abraham Jamgochian, citing his great character
and mindfulness of his culture, community, the Armenian youth, and
Homenetmen. Jamgochian thanked the Regional Executive for entrusting
him as Honorary President. With a round of applause, Jamjian and
Jamgochian received a warm response from the audience.
After the announcements, Ani Keshishian, an athlete of the Homenetmen
"Massis" Chapter recited the athlete's oath on behalf of the thousands
of athletes who will be participating in the games.
In conclusion, Khachig Khalatian delivered the Regional Executive's
message, congratulating Berj Jamjian and George Jamgochian. He
expressed confidence that all athletes participating in the Navasartian
Games will assuredly adhere to the Homenetmen motto, "Elevate Yourself
and Others With You." The opening concluded with Steve Artinian and
Jano Kahvedjian presenting certificates to delegates who attended the
Pan-Homenetmen Athletic Games, which took place in the summer of 2009
for the first time in Armenia.
After an eventful and uplifting ceremony, the 35th Annual Navasartian
Athletic Games officially kicked-off with Honorary President George A.
Jamgochian performing the tip-off for the first of many basketball
tournaments still to come.
Asbarez
Friday, May 14th, 2010
VAN NUYS-The Homenetmen's 35th Annual Navasartian Athletic Games
officially began on Saturday, May 8 at Birmingham High School with
a series of basketball games.
Earlier that same day, the blessing of the Navasartian torch, now a
customary event, was held at the Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. In
attendance were Homenetmen Central Executive Vice-Chairperson Koko
Balian; Honorary President of the 33rd Navasartian Games Vahagn
Thomassian; previous "Exemplary Homenetmen Member" title bearers
Zakar Chorbajian and Albert Ounjian; representatives of Homenetmen
chapter executives; ARS "Anahid" chapter members; numerous parents,
guests, and athletes.
Rev. Father Razmig Khatchadourian presided over the event and conveyed
his blessing remarks, which entailed delivering a symbolic message
for the torch light to represent a guiding light in the lives of
each Armenian family and athlete. He also shared the blessings
and congratulatory wishes of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian.
After attendees joined Rev. Father Khatchadourian in a collective
prayer, the Navasartian torch was set aflame by a single candle,
blessed beforehand. Regional Executive Chairperson Steve Artinian
passed the torch to the athletes representing the region's 17 chapters,
who thereby delivered it to Birmingham High School and, in doing so,
initiated the Opening Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with Homenetmen San Fernando Valley "Massis"
chapter scouts marching with the American, Armenian, Artsakh, State
of California, Homenetmen, and Navasartian flags. Following this
procession, the American and Armenian national anthems, as well as
the Homenetmen anthem, played.
Then, Nyree Derderian delivered the Navasartian Committee's message
with great pride that the Navasartian Games have embarked on its 35th
year and, at the same time, the opening ceremonies have coincided with
two great events, including the anniversary of Shushi's liberation
and Mother's Day weekend. She happily noted the reality that the youth
participating in the games are products not only of Homenetmen but also
the greater Armenian community, which will undeniably demonstrate their
support of the athletes through their presence in the coming weekends.
Following Derderian, Chairperson Steve Artinian welcomed all guests
and commended the thousands of people who, year after year, volunteer
their time for the benefit of the coming generation's future. He
also announced the 2010 "Exemplary Homenetmen Member," Berj Jamjian,
outlining his great attributes. Jamjian expressed his thanks for
having the title bestowed upon him and communicated the immense pride
he feels for being a part of Homenetmen.
Artinian also presented the Honorary President of the 2010 Navasartian
Athletic Games, George Abraham Jamgochian, citing his great character
and mindfulness of his culture, community, the Armenian youth, and
Homenetmen. Jamgochian thanked the Regional Executive for entrusting
him as Honorary President. With a round of applause, Jamjian and
Jamgochian received a warm response from the audience.
After the announcements, Ani Keshishian, an athlete of the Homenetmen
"Massis" Chapter recited the athlete's oath on behalf of the thousands
of athletes who will be participating in the games.
In conclusion, Khachig Khalatian delivered the Regional Executive's
message, congratulating Berj Jamjian and George Jamgochian. He
expressed confidence that all athletes participating in the Navasartian
Games will assuredly adhere to the Homenetmen motto, "Elevate Yourself
and Others With You." The opening concluded with Steve Artinian and
Jano Kahvedjian presenting certificates to delegates who attended the
Pan-Homenetmen Athletic Games, which took place in the summer of 2009
for the first time in Armenia.
After an eventful and uplifting ceremony, the 35th Annual Navasartian
Athletic Games officially kicked-off with Honorary President George A.
Jamgochian performing the tip-off for the first of many basketball
tournaments still to come.