2200 SPORTSMEN FROM 26 COUNTRIES ALREADY REGISTERED IN 4th PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES
Noyan Tapan
Jul 31, 2007
YEREVAN, JULY 31, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues connected with the preparatory
measures of the Pan-Armenian Games were discussed at the first sitting
of the government organizing committee of the 4th Pan-Armenian Games
which was held on July 31. Armen Grigorian, the Minister of Sport and
Youth Affairs and the Chairman of the organizing committee presented
the course of those measures, the scenarios of the games’ opening
and closing ceremonies, other issues regarding the event.
10 kinds of sports, basketball, football, futsal, volleyball,
athletics, tennis, table-tennis, chess, swimming, badminton are
included in the games’ program to be held between August 18 to 26
in Yerevan. It was mentioned that as of July 31, 2200 participants
from 69 cities of 26 contries have been already registered. However,
in general it is expected that nearly 5-6 thousand people will arrive
in Armenia from the Diaspora. In difference to the previous games, this
time professional sportsmen will also take part in the competitions.
Cups, medals, and diplomas will be given to winners, and letters of
thanks to all participants. Bear is the symbol of the games. Vard
Aleksanian, a member of the executive committee of the World Committee
of the Pan-Armenian Games (WCPAG) will bring the medals and the
cups with her from Cairo. 80 million drams (nearly 235 thousand
U.S. dollars) is allocated from the state budget for holding the
games. The support of sponsors is also expected.
According to Levon Galstian, the Deputy Director of Public Television,
the torch of the games will be lighted in the Garni heathen temple on
August 18 at 10 a.m., which will be taken to the Republican stadium
where the opening ceremony of the games will take place. It will
proceed with the slogan "Hello, Homeland" and will be accompanied by
fireworks. The closing ceremony will be held in the evening of August
26 at A. Spendiarian State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. After
the official ceremony the event will move to the theater yard,
Liberty Square.
Instructions were given to departments serving the games at the
organizing committee’s sitting.