PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
1300 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 149
Fresno, CA 93710
Contact: Avo Arikian
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2005
ATG Bike-a-Thon III
Imagine biking hundreds of miles, encountering mountains, rocky
terrain, and long stretches of uninhabited land as you go. On August
20, 2005, a number of designated riders will do just that, as they
ride for Armenia during the Armenian Technology Group’s Bike-a-Thon
III. Their goal is simple: to help rebuild their ancestral homeland
into a strong, vibrant nation.
The past two Bike-a-Thons have been a very successful part of the
ongoing process to help Armenia’s rural farmers prosper. Bike-a-Thon
I helped establish a certified grape nursery in the Artsakh region;
ATG estimates that every dollar invested in the nursery increases local
income 14-fold. Fifty-three families are now employed by the nursery,
and hundreds of acres of vineyards in Karabakh are being rejuvenated
yearly with young, disease-free grapevines.
Bike-a-Thon II played a critical role in raising the funds to purchase
four milk-cooling tanks to serve as storage for rural farmers,
allowing their surplus milk to be kept fresh and to be sold to dairy
processors. The milk tanks also serve as inspection sites to ensure
that Armenia’s children are provided with fresh, wholesome milk. More
than 3,000 families in 4 villages are the target beneficiaries of
this project.
This year’s Bike-a-Thon has the specific goal of raising the funds
needed to train professional veterinarians who will work with
the Central Diagnostic Lab to a) help increase farm production and
income, and b) to ensure that the milk and dairy products are safe for
consumption. The purpose of the Lab is to ensure that Armenia’s rural
farming operations can minimize the spread of a wide range of diseases
including as tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonella, anthrax and e.coli,
which can enter the food supply and thereby affect public health. This
will also help farmers to run their operations more efficiently and
productively. “Rural economic development in Armenia is vital to the
future of the country. We sincerely appreciate those who participate
in helping us attain our mutual goal,” said ATG executive director
Varoujan Der Simonian.
Preparations are already under way for Bike-a-Thon III. Vatche
Soghomonian, who led the first two cycling events and recently
qualified for the Tour de France, will be accompanied by other bikers
eager to support Armenia. “I invite anyone who is willing to join me
in this noble cause of revitalizing our homeland”, stated Soghomonian.
Vatche and his friends will begin their ride from Yerevan, then peddle
towards Khor Virab, and then on to Noravank. They will then journey to
Yeghegnatsor and through Areni wine country, stopping to have a taste
of Armenia’s wines. The tour will continue to Sisian, and then Goris,
followed by a stop at Khapan, and onward to Meghri. The bikers will
pass through Karabakh, visiting Shushi and Stepanakert. They will visit
the ATG wine grape nursery in Khramort, funded by Diaspora Armenians,
and ride to the ancient Gantzasar monastery. The tour will then climb
from Yeghegnatsor to Marduni, and along Lake Sevan, then continuing
on to Oshakan, Sartarabad, and finally visit St. Echmiadzin before
returning to Yerevan.
The tour will also feature several Walk-a-Thons through several
villages and towns on the same path as the Bike-a-Thon, giving
participants a close connection with the local residents. Throughout
the tour, they will rely on the hospitality of the local population
to regain their strength. As in the past, their efforts are expected
to attract many supporters, from inside Armenia and out, to see them
in action. Tourists will also be able to visit the many natural and
historical wonders of the country. Media coverage of the Bike-a-Thon
will bring rural Armenia into the spotlight, showing the great beauty
and potential of the countryside.
For more information about participating in Bike-A-Thon III or to help
financially, please visit the Armenian Technology Group website at:
or call (559) 224-1000.