Unity through Sport: President Armen Sarkissian received delegation of the World Committee of the Pan-Armenian Games

President Armen Sarkissian received today the delegation of the World Committee of the Pan-Armenian Games.

The President welcomed the idea of holding Pan-Armenian Games and the notion of having a pan-national event in general. He noted that the spirit, which brings the Games together, should be used to make the Armenia-Artsakh-Spyurk ties even stronger.

The Chairman of the World Committee of the Pan-Armenian Games Ishkhan Zakarian presented to Armen Sarkissian the program of the Games and spoke in detail about the upcoming competitions. Next Pan-Armenian Games, which will be conducted under the “Unity through Sport” motto, for the first time will take place in Artsakh. This year, the summer Games will gather representatives of Spyurk from over 35 cities. Competitions of seven out of 17 sport disciplines will be conducted in Artsakh. Overall, 4000 athletes from Armenia, Artsakh, and Spyurk from different countries of the world will participate to the Games.

The President of Armenia said that it is important for the Pan-Armenian Games to be not only a sporting event but also to serve an impetus for the all-Armenian integration. Underscoring a special significance of conducting the Games in Artsakh, Armen Sarkissian said that it would present a wonderful opportunity to visit Artsakh and to connect with Artsakh for thousands of our compatriots. According to the President, patriotism is manifested not only through the defense of our borders, which is essential and necessary, but also through familiarizing with Fatherland – Artsakh, Lori, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush, all of Armenia, and learning about it. “I see a great power in your movement which can make Fatherland better known and more recognizable,” President Sarkissian said addressing those present.

President Armen Sarkissian said that the Pan-Armenian Games testify to the fact that in the future we can hold major international sporting events. He expressed readiness to assist in the organization of the Games and encouraged the representatives of the World Committee of the Pan-Armenian Games to carry on with their dedicated work.