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AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 13, 2012
Young Athletes Make AGBU History at the 19th World Games in Los
Angeles
Over 1,700 Athletes, Members & Supporters Gather for a Week of
Athletic, Cultural & Social Events
In its near 60-year history, the AGBU World Games has brought
international youth to various global cities with the goal of
reinforcing their commitment to the organization and lifelong
friendships with peers, through good sportsmanship and teamwork. This
July, over 500 young athletes from Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Egypt, France, Uruguay and the U.S. gathered in what is
unofficially dubbed as the capital of the Armenian diaspora: Los
Angeles. There, for one unforgettable week that began on Saturday,
July 28, 2012, they engaged in sports competitions, social events and
excursion tours, which were made possible by the AGBU 2012 World Games
Committee and a dedicated network of over 200 volunteers who have been
hard at work for nearly a year. When the Games came to an end on
Sunday, August 5, culminating with the traditional Victory Ball the
night before, participants knew they were returning home not only with
trophies, but with memories to cherish forever.
Kicking off the Week: Opening Ceremonies Welcome Global Athletes and
Local Officials
The countdown for the AGBU World Games had been ongoing for months,
and as the drum roll began at the Opening Ceremony on the evening of
Sunday, July 29, it signaled that the much-anticipated time had
finally arrived. While the marching band, the majority of them AGBU
Scouts, began to circle the track of the Pasadena City College
Stadium, the bleachers filled with an excited crowd. They soon put
their hands together for the members of the Vartan and Siranush
Gevorkyan Academy who performed on the field, the local John Muir High
School drummer group and the procession of AGBU athletes that
followed, waving their respective flags proudly. The guests' attention
was then turned to the welcoming remarks delivered by AGBU Vice
President Sinan Sinanian, World Games Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America,
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and veteran AYA athlete Hratch Manoukian,
who made the sportsmanship pledge.
Among the spectators were a host of dignitaries and representatives,
including Armenia's Consul General to Los Angeles, Grigor
Hovhannisyan; Mayor of Glendale, Frank Quintero; Glendale Councilmen
Rafi Manoukian and Ara Najarian; Former Primate of the Western Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian;
Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA),
Rev. Joseph D. Matossian; Police Chief of Pasadena, Phillip L Sanchez;
clergymen representing the Western Prelacy and the Armenian Catholic
Church; and official leaders and representatives from the major
Armenian political parties.
The entertainment portion of the night then got underway, as David
Foster, the 16-time Grammy-award winning musician who has helped
produce some of the world's most successful artists, including
Madonna, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, took the stage. The popular
group Element Band and singer Hovhannes Shahbazyan also
performed. Foster even invited a few members of the audience on stage
to sing along with them, while across the stadium everyone rose to
their feet to dance. Off to a festive start, the athletes returned to
the Universal City Hilton Hotel, where they stayed throughout the
week, ready to carry their energy onto the field the following day.
Scoring Points and Showing Spirit
Throughout the week, youth displayed their talents and skills in an
array of team and individual sports. Competitions included basketball,
chess, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and
volleyball, all of which drew hundreds of enthusiastic spectators. A
buzz of excitement filled the air at each of the matches' venues, the
AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Center and High School, the AGBU
Manoogian-Demirdjian School and the Pasadena Public High School, with
fans continuously shouting encouraging words and cheers. As they
progressed from the preliminary games to the finals rounds, the
players always demonstrated good sportsmanship and support for one
another, ensuring that the games were more fun than competitive. As
coach Kev Dertadian of Sydney, Australia commented, "Year round, we
watch the players on our teams learn and grow, and it's been a huge
thrill to watch them apply all the skills they've developed back at
home here at the World Games with their global peers." The youth
shared that enthusiasm, and the athlete Melina Tchintchinian of
Montevideo stated, "This week has been incredible. It's so amazing to
be surrounded by so many young Armenians like myself from around the
world who love the same sports I do - I already can't wait to reunite
in a new city in 2016."
Social and Cultural Events Fill the World Games Calendar
Day in and day out, the World Games attendees were on the fields or in
the stands, but in the evening they had the opportunity to relax and
enjoy many planned social and cultural events. On Saturday, July 28,
all athletes and guests gathered at the AGBU Pasadena Center for a
"Meet and Greet," where they caught up with old friends and sparked
conversation with new ones. On Tuesday night, a summer soiree
organized by the Young Professional of Los Angeles (YPLA) brought
together AGBU World Games athletes with their local YP counterparts to
the rooftop of the Sheraton Universal Hotel, where they enjoyed views
of the famous Hollywood Hills and Universal Studios.
Halfway through the week, participants were ready for some fun in the
sun, and on Wednesday, they got just that with a private party on
Huntington Beach, which was organized by the AGBU World Games
Committee and managed by the dedicated women within the World Games
Special Events Committee. When they weren't cooling off in the Pacific
Ocean, guests were at the beach volleyball court for a friendly co-ed
game. When the weekend approached, everyone was invited to view an
encore performance of the AGBU Ardavazt Theater Company's hit comedy,
"Ser Yev Dzidzagh" ("Love & Laughter") at the AGBU Pasadena
Center. For over three decades, the theatrical ensemble's productions
have drawn critical acclaim, and their show on Friday night was no
exception.
As they watched the Games unfold, each of the athletes knew that they
were part not only of a series of events spanning that week, but of a
great, long-standing AGBU tradition six decades in the making. A
special collection of photos and keepsakes from World Games past, put
together by the youth group AGBU Impact, was unveiled on the evening
of the "Meet and Greet" and remained on exhibit at the AGBU Vatche and
Tamar Manoukian Center's Boyajian Hall over the next few days. Young
athletes admired old team banners and jerseys, spotting their parents
and even grandparents in the black and white photographs that filled
the display. World Games Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian reflected on the
tremendous preparation that went into both the collection and all the
World Games' activities, stating, "The workload was immense and not
without its share of difficulties and hurdles. However, the initiative
that came from all the volunteers who eagerly reached out to lend us a
hand was key. For without their dedication, tenacity and allegiance,
the success we had could simply not have been achieved."
For the volunteers, the World Games were a labor of love. As volunteer
Carine Imasdounian remarked, "We knew since the Volunteer kickoff
event in April that we were committing to a project that was larger
than life, but incredibly worthwhile. I have so enjoyed being part of
such a passionate and devoted team. Watching the Games unfold over the
past few months until this week has been very rewarding. As
volunteers, a huge number of us spent countless hours at this week's
different events, and I only wish we could have spent countless more."
Victory Ball
After the final games wrapped up on the afternoon of Saturday, August
4, the athletes were ready to change out of their AGBU uniforms and
into more formal attire for that evening's Victory Ball. At six
o'clock on the dot, over 1,700 guests began streaming into the
Universal Studios Backlot. It was on the Studios' legendary "New York
Avenue" set that they were greeted by the Special Events Committee
Chairwoman, Aline Patatian, who delivered the opening remarks. The
microphone was then passed to London-based entertainer Kev Orkian,
renowned singers Armenchik and Joseph Krikorian, and members of the
Vartan and Siranush Gevorkyan Dance Academy whose performances
inspired everyone to stay on the dance floor well into the night.
Those present at the Victory Ball included AGBU Vice President Sinan
Sinanian, AGBU Western District Committee Chairman Haig Messerlian,
and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Mr. Sinanian was full of praise for
the World Games' athletes and the organizers as he stated, "I have
never seen so many people, of all ages and from so many countries
around the world, come together and have an unforgettably positive and
impactful experience as they did here in Los Angeles during the AGBU
World Games. An occasion such as this is truly an incredible and rare
opportunity for our youth to gather and meet other Armenians from
places such as Alexandria, Cairo, Montevideo, Montreal, Paris, Sao
Paulo, Sydney and Toronto, and create special memories and life-long
friendships. Everyone kept telling me they had the best week of their
lives. I only wish we could have more occasions for our AGBU members
to come together like this. I salute all the volunteers who have
worked tirelessly to make these unparalleled AGBU World Games an
enormous success."
During the evening, Athletic Coordinator of the World Games, Jano
Baghdanian invited former AYA athletes to the stage to present the 1st
place winners with their trophies. They were followed by former AGBU
Southern California District Chairman Vahe Imasdounian, who handed the
Sportsmanship Award to Toronto, as well as longtime athletics
supporter Albert Boyajian, who presented the Friendship Award to
Montevideo. The team leader of the Montevideo delegation, Jose
Handalian, commented, "Every minute of this week's World Games, I felt
at home. It was a great pleasure, and a gratifying experience, for all
of us from Uruguay to participate in the Games and meet the other
delegations. This is a brilliant organization, a brilliant event, and
most importantly, brilliant people who are behind the games."
Everyone is a Winner at the World Games Trophy Ceremony
No one went home from the Games empty handed, and on Saturday, August
4, at the Trophy Ceremony in Pasadena High School, all the athletes
received cups, medals and recognition for their participation in
AGBU's 19th World Games.
The words of AGBU Western District Committee Chairman Haig Messerlian
captured the feelings of all participants at the ceremony, as they
reflected on the week that had passed. He said, "The AGBU World Games
2012 in Los Angeles was an event that marked AGBU's commitment to our
youth, its power, popularity and prestige among the participants, our
AGBU membership and the community in general, perfectly in line with
AGBU's slogan, "Unity is Strength." Our thanks and appreciation go to
the hundreds of athletes, coaches and chapter representatives for
their enthusiastic participation, to our diligent organizing committee
for their perfect planning and execution, to the hundreds of dedicated
volunteers and our hardworking staff. A job truly well done!"
As the players and teams congratulated each other on the matches they
had completed, they were already looking forward to the next time they
would play together. With the next World Games scheduled for 2016,
they still have time, but will no doubt keep in touch until then, not
letting distance weaken the strong bonds that were formed both on and
off the courts.
To see the official photos and competition results from the 2012 AGBU
World Games, please visit: www.agbugames.com.
The AGBU 2012 World Games would not have been possible without the
hard work and dedication of the World Games Committee, which included:
Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian, Honorary Chairman Hratch Manoukian, Vice
Chairman Hagop Sepetjian, Treasurer Hagop Jazmadarian, Recording
Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator Aleen Khanjian, English
Corresponding Secretary Aline K. Yeterian, Armenian Corresponding
Secretary Kevork Keushkerian, Fundraising Committee Chairman Vahe
Imasdounian, Sports Committee Chairman Jano Baghdanian, Special Events
Committee Chairwoman Aline Patatian, Opening Ceremony Committee
Chairwoman Sonia Babayan, Protocol Committee Chairwoman Hermie
Janoyan, Security Committee Chairman Garo Babian, Facilities Manager
Ara Manoukian, Registration Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Simonian,
Information Technology Committee Chairman Jack Svadjian, Committee
member at large Ara Yessaian, Committee member at large Bared
Gosdanian, and Production Manager Stepan Partamian.
Since 1955, the AGBU World Games has brought together thousands of
youth from around the world to engage in sporting competitions and
create lifelong bonds. Over the years, the endeavor has been held in
numerous major cities, such as Beirut, Buenos Aires, Geneva, Los
Angeles, Paris and Sydney. The positive outcome of these Games has
proved so popular that AGBU Regional Games now take place regularly in
North and South America.
For more information about AGBU and its youth program, please visit
www.agbu.org.
From: Baghdasarian
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 13, 2012
Young Athletes Make AGBU History at the 19th World Games in Los
Angeles
Over 1,700 Athletes, Members & Supporters Gather for a Week of
Athletic, Cultural & Social Events
In its near 60-year history, the AGBU World Games has brought
international youth to various global cities with the goal of
reinforcing their commitment to the organization and lifelong
friendships with peers, through good sportsmanship and teamwork. This
July, over 500 young athletes from Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Egypt, France, Uruguay and the U.S. gathered in what is
unofficially dubbed as the capital of the Armenian diaspora: Los
Angeles. There, for one unforgettable week that began on Saturday,
July 28, 2012, they engaged in sports competitions, social events and
excursion tours, which were made possible by the AGBU 2012 World Games
Committee and a dedicated network of over 200 volunteers who have been
hard at work for nearly a year. When the Games came to an end on
Sunday, August 5, culminating with the traditional Victory Ball the
night before, participants knew they were returning home not only with
trophies, but with memories to cherish forever.
Kicking off the Week: Opening Ceremonies Welcome Global Athletes and
Local Officials
The countdown for the AGBU World Games had been ongoing for months,
and as the drum roll began at the Opening Ceremony on the evening of
Sunday, July 29, it signaled that the much-anticipated time had
finally arrived. While the marching band, the majority of them AGBU
Scouts, began to circle the track of the Pasadena City College
Stadium, the bleachers filled with an excited crowd. They soon put
their hands together for the members of the Vartan and Siranush
Gevorkyan Academy who performed on the field, the local John Muir High
School drummer group and the procession of AGBU athletes that
followed, waving their respective flags proudly. The guests' attention
was then turned to the welcoming remarks delivered by AGBU Vice
President Sinan Sinanian, World Games Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America,
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and veteran AYA athlete Hratch Manoukian,
who made the sportsmanship pledge.
Among the spectators were a host of dignitaries and representatives,
including Armenia's Consul General to Los Angeles, Grigor
Hovhannisyan; Mayor of Glendale, Frank Quintero; Glendale Councilmen
Rafi Manoukian and Ara Najarian; Former Primate of the Western Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian;
Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA),
Rev. Joseph D. Matossian; Police Chief of Pasadena, Phillip L Sanchez;
clergymen representing the Western Prelacy and the Armenian Catholic
Church; and official leaders and representatives from the major
Armenian political parties.
The entertainment portion of the night then got underway, as David
Foster, the 16-time Grammy-award winning musician who has helped
produce some of the world's most successful artists, including
Madonna, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, took the stage. The popular
group Element Band and singer Hovhannes Shahbazyan also
performed. Foster even invited a few members of the audience on stage
to sing along with them, while across the stadium everyone rose to
their feet to dance. Off to a festive start, the athletes returned to
the Universal City Hilton Hotel, where they stayed throughout the
week, ready to carry their energy onto the field the following day.
Scoring Points and Showing Spirit
Throughout the week, youth displayed their talents and skills in an
array of team and individual sports. Competitions included basketball,
chess, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and
volleyball, all of which drew hundreds of enthusiastic spectators. A
buzz of excitement filled the air at each of the matches' venues, the
AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Center and High School, the AGBU
Manoogian-Demirdjian School and the Pasadena Public High School, with
fans continuously shouting encouraging words and cheers. As they
progressed from the preliminary games to the finals rounds, the
players always demonstrated good sportsmanship and support for one
another, ensuring that the games were more fun than competitive. As
coach Kev Dertadian of Sydney, Australia commented, "Year round, we
watch the players on our teams learn and grow, and it's been a huge
thrill to watch them apply all the skills they've developed back at
home here at the World Games with their global peers." The youth
shared that enthusiasm, and the athlete Melina Tchintchinian of
Montevideo stated, "This week has been incredible. It's so amazing to
be surrounded by so many young Armenians like myself from around the
world who love the same sports I do - I already can't wait to reunite
in a new city in 2016."
Social and Cultural Events Fill the World Games Calendar
Day in and day out, the World Games attendees were on the fields or in
the stands, but in the evening they had the opportunity to relax and
enjoy many planned social and cultural events. On Saturday, July 28,
all athletes and guests gathered at the AGBU Pasadena Center for a
"Meet and Greet," where they caught up with old friends and sparked
conversation with new ones. On Tuesday night, a summer soiree
organized by the Young Professional of Los Angeles (YPLA) brought
together AGBU World Games athletes with their local YP counterparts to
the rooftop of the Sheraton Universal Hotel, where they enjoyed views
of the famous Hollywood Hills and Universal Studios.
Halfway through the week, participants were ready for some fun in the
sun, and on Wednesday, they got just that with a private party on
Huntington Beach, which was organized by the AGBU World Games
Committee and managed by the dedicated women within the World Games
Special Events Committee. When they weren't cooling off in the Pacific
Ocean, guests were at the beach volleyball court for a friendly co-ed
game. When the weekend approached, everyone was invited to view an
encore performance of the AGBU Ardavazt Theater Company's hit comedy,
"Ser Yev Dzidzagh" ("Love & Laughter") at the AGBU Pasadena
Center. For over three decades, the theatrical ensemble's productions
have drawn critical acclaim, and their show on Friday night was no
exception.
As they watched the Games unfold, each of the athletes knew that they
were part not only of a series of events spanning that week, but of a
great, long-standing AGBU tradition six decades in the making. A
special collection of photos and keepsakes from World Games past, put
together by the youth group AGBU Impact, was unveiled on the evening
of the "Meet and Greet" and remained on exhibit at the AGBU Vatche and
Tamar Manoukian Center's Boyajian Hall over the next few days. Young
athletes admired old team banners and jerseys, spotting their parents
and even grandparents in the black and white photographs that filled
the display. World Games Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian reflected on the
tremendous preparation that went into both the collection and all the
World Games' activities, stating, "The workload was immense and not
without its share of difficulties and hurdles. However, the initiative
that came from all the volunteers who eagerly reached out to lend us a
hand was key. For without their dedication, tenacity and allegiance,
the success we had could simply not have been achieved."
For the volunteers, the World Games were a labor of love. As volunteer
Carine Imasdounian remarked, "We knew since the Volunteer kickoff
event in April that we were committing to a project that was larger
than life, but incredibly worthwhile. I have so enjoyed being part of
such a passionate and devoted team. Watching the Games unfold over the
past few months until this week has been very rewarding. As
volunteers, a huge number of us spent countless hours at this week's
different events, and I only wish we could have spent countless more."
Victory Ball
After the final games wrapped up on the afternoon of Saturday, August
4, the athletes were ready to change out of their AGBU uniforms and
into more formal attire for that evening's Victory Ball. At six
o'clock on the dot, over 1,700 guests began streaming into the
Universal Studios Backlot. It was on the Studios' legendary "New York
Avenue" set that they were greeted by the Special Events Committee
Chairwoman, Aline Patatian, who delivered the opening remarks. The
microphone was then passed to London-based entertainer Kev Orkian,
renowned singers Armenchik and Joseph Krikorian, and members of the
Vartan and Siranush Gevorkyan Dance Academy whose performances
inspired everyone to stay on the dance floor well into the night.
Those present at the Victory Ball included AGBU Vice President Sinan
Sinanian, AGBU Western District Committee Chairman Haig Messerlian,
and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Mr. Sinanian was full of praise for
the World Games' athletes and the organizers as he stated, "I have
never seen so many people, of all ages and from so many countries
around the world, come together and have an unforgettably positive and
impactful experience as they did here in Los Angeles during the AGBU
World Games. An occasion such as this is truly an incredible and rare
opportunity for our youth to gather and meet other Armenians from
places such as Alexandria, Cairo, Montevideo, Montreal, Paris, Sao
Paulo, Sydney and Toronto, and create special memories and life-long
friendships. Everyone kept telling me they had the best week of their
lives. I only wish we could have more occasions for our AGBU members
to come together like this. I salute all the volunteers who have
worked tirelessly to make these unparalleled AGBU World Games an
enormous success."
During the evening, Athletic Coordinator of the World Games, Jano
Baghdanian invited former AYA athletes to the stage to present the 1st
place winners with their trophies. They were followed by former AGBU
Southern California District Chairman Vahe Imasdounian, who handed the
Sportsmanship Award to Toronto, as well as longtime athletics
supporter Albert Boyajian, who presented the Friendship Award to
Montevideo. The team leader of the Montevideo delegation, Jose
Handalian, commented, "Every minute of this week's World Games, I felt
at home. It was a great pleasure, and a gratifying experience, for all
of us from Uruguay to participate in the Games and meet the other
delegations. This is a brilliant organization, a brilliant event, and
most importantly, brilliant people who are behind the games."
Everyone is a Winner at the World Games Trophy Ceremony
No one went home from the Games empty handed, and on Saturday, August
4, at the Trophy Ceremony in Pasadena High School, all the athletes
received cups, medals and recognition for their participation in
AGBU's 19th World Games.
The words of AGBU Western District Committee Chairman Haig Messerlian
captured the feelings of all participants at the ceremony, as they
reflected on the week that had passed. He said, "The AGBU World Games
2012 in Los Angeles was an event that marked AGBU's commitment to our
youth, its power, popularity and prestige among the participants, our
AGBU membership and the community in general, perfectly in line with
AGBU's slogan, "Unity is Strength." Our thanks and appreciation go to
the hundreds of athletes, coaches and chapter representatives for
their enthusiastic participation, to our diligent organizing committee
for their perfect planning and execution, to the hundreds of dedicated
volunteers and our hardworking staff. A job truly well done!"
As the players and teams congratulated each other on the matches they
had completed, they were already looking forward to the next time they
would play together. With the next World Games scheduled for 2016,
they still have time, but will no doubt keep in touch until then, not
letting distance weaken the strong bonds that were formed both on and
off the courts.
To see the official photos and competition results from the 2012 AGBU
World Games, please visit: www.agbugames.com.
The AGBU 2012 World Games would not have been possible without the
hard work and dedication of the World Games Committee, which included:
Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian, Honorary Chairman Hratch Manoukian, Vice
Chairman Hagop Sepetjian, Treasurer Hagop Jazmadarian, Recording
Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator Aleen Khanjian, English
Corresponding Secretary Aline K. Yeterian, Armenian Corresponding
Secretary Kevork Keushkerian, Fundraising Committee Chairman Vahe
Imasdounian, Sports Committee Chairman Jano Baghdanian, Special Events
Committee Chairwoman Aline Patatian, Opening Ceremony Committee
Chairwoman Sonia Babayan, Protocol Committee Chairwoman Hermie
Janoyan, Security Committee Chairman Garo Babian, Facilities Manager
Ara Manoukian, Registration Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Simonian,
Information Technology Committee Chairman Jack Svadjian, Committee
member at large Ara Yessaian, Committee member at large Bared
Gosdanian, and Production Manager Stepan Partamian.
Since 1955, the AGBU World Games has brought together thousands of
youth from around the world to engage in sporting competitions and
create lifelong bonds. Over the years, the endeavor has been held in
numerous major cities, such as Beirut, Buenos Aires, Geneva, Los
Angeles, Paris and Sydney. The positive outcome of these Games has
proved so popular that AGBU Regional Games now take place regularly in
North and South America.
For more information about AGBU and its youth program, please visit
www.agbu.org.
From: Baghdasarian