The second torch lighting ceremony for the 7th Pan-Armenian Games took place at Khor Virap monastery located on the hills of Ararat province in Armenia. The torch was lit by Armenian Greco-Roman wrestler, Olympic Champion Arthur Alexanyan who addressed the attendees saying sport that unite Armenians all over the world.
As the press office at the Pan-Armenian Games report, dozens of residents, tourists and guests followed the torch-lighting ceremony.
Traditionally, three torches are lit ahead of the Games. The first flame was lit by Pan-Armenian Games co-founder Armenian-American philanthropist Albert Boyajyan at the Holy Mother of God Armenian Church in Vakif, a village on the foothills of Musa Ler in Turkey.
The torches from Khor Virap and Musa Ler will be taken to Artsakh where the third torch will be lit in Tigranakert to symbolize the unity of Armenia, Diaspora and Artsakh.
The 7th Pan-Armenian games will take place from August 6 to 17 with representatives from over 35 cities to compete in 17 sport competitions. This year, the opening ceremony of the Games will take place in Artsakh capital Stepanakert.