ARMENIA’S WORLD BOXING CHAMP INSPIRES CHILDREN IN ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)
Reuters, UK
July 4 2006
Raging Bull’ Darchinyan Signs Autographs Surrounded By Children
Over 70 children in especially difficult circumstances were treated
to an inspirational surprise visit from Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan,
the Armenian World Boxing Champion by World Vision last week.
‘I admire Vic and watch each and every fight of his on TV. He was
never knocked down and can beat anyone in the world! ‘, said a proud
12-year-old Asatur Hakobyan, as he joined others who crowded around
Vic to take his autograph and have a photo taken with their famous
compatriot.
Asatur and the other children are cared for by the Vardashen No.1
Special Educational Complex in the capital Yerevan and are from
families with no means to support themselves, and children who display
anti-social behaviour or are in especially difficult circumstances.
‘Vic’s visit has had a serious psychological impact on our children.
They feel really privileged that a world champion came to visit them’,
says Larisa Sargsyan, Head of the school.
This is especially important for the children in Vardashen who need
attention and contacts with outside world, especially with people
who can serve as role models for them.
‘I wanted not only to promote healthy lifestyle among the children,
but also help them see perspectives, to show them they can achieve
their goals if they are hardworking and dedicated’, said Vic as he
shared his childhood memories with the children.
He told how ‘an ordinary boy from Lori who just loved to fight’
realised his dream of becoming a world-famous boxer.
Sam Mamikonyan, a cheerful boy of sixteen, held up his huge hands
and boasted: ‘We compared fists and Vic told me I have great physical
potential to be a boxer. I think I’ll start to think seriously about
boxing now’. He was also impressed that Vic was awarded by a rank of
‘Knight of Lori’ for his chivalrous manner in the ring.
Vic presented Vardashen school with a TV set, and promised keep an
eye on the children he got acquainted with.
World Vision provides the children of Vardashen with social and
psychological services, organizes various activities and cultural
events, as well as offers vocational trainings to give them an
opportunity for successful integration into the society after they
graduate.