ARMENIAN GAMES MEET ALL EXPECTATIONS
Panorama.am
21:42 28/08/2007
"That the games established their place and importance in our lives
is now a fact. The most important fact is the working connection
between Armenia and the Diaspora. The advance of these relations is
a holiday in itself," Roland Sharoyan of the international Armenian
games committee stated today.
Sharoyan is convinced that the 4th olympic games met all
expectations. This year the number of participants increased
dramatically, he added. Thirty-eight cities were represented, 27
from the Diaspora. "Starting from the first day, both the number
of guests and participants increased. I must stress that the number
of participants has grown each year. This shows the success of the
"United through sport" committee," said Sharoyan.
But, Sharoyan said, the main focus of the games remains sport. His
committee has the purpose to build a working bridge between Armenia
and the Diaspora. "We have to make it possible for the Armenian
living in the Diaspora to feel solid, at home here, to get to know
our traditions and customs," he said.
Sharoyan intends to expand the types of sports in the next
games. Planned are water volleyball, marathon races, sword fighting,
and horse riding.
Soccer and basketball competitions will take place in 2009. The 5th
Armenian games will take place in 2011.