Gyumri, which is known for sports traditions, was in a festive mood since the torch of the Pan-Armenian Games was in Gyumri for the first time in the history of the Games on July 18.

One of the three torches of the 6^th Pan-Armenian Summer Games, the torch of the Diaspora, was lit at Holy Cross Church of Akhtamar Island of Van, passed through several Armenian-populated areas, reached Javakhk and was then taken to Gyumri. The bearer of the torch was famous athlete, European and World Weightlifting Champion and Merited Sport Master Nazik Avdalyan.

The torch was brought to Friendship Garden of Gyumri and was taken to Vardanants Square in a carriage. The torch of the 6^th Pan-Armenian Summer Games was received with songs and dances. Mayor of Gyumri Samvel Balasanyan welcomed the entrance of the torch in Gyumri and voiced hope that this time the athletes of Gyumri would prove once again that Gyumri is not only the capital of culture, but also the capital of sports. “We also have many glorious athletes who have raised the Armenian national flag at various world and European tournaments. Gyumri will be participating in the 6^th Pan-Armenian Summer Games in 13 sports and there will be great victories, but this time the success will be friendship. I wish all the participants success,” Samvel Balasanyan mentioned.

There will be a total of 300 athletes from Gyumri. Besides Gyumri, there will also be 40 athletes from Artik (3 sports) and 15 athletes from Maralik (2 sports). Until now, the delegates of Shirak Province have always achieved high results in the Pan-Armenian Games. Gyumri has scored 41 medals (10 gold, 10 silver and 21 bronze), while Artik has scored 1 bronze medal in volleyball.

“These Games are part of the state plan of events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide and are in the center of attention of all Armenians around the world. The Pan-Armenian Games are not only a sport competition, but also serve as a major factor for national unity, the strengthening of bonds between all Armenians and the partnership between Armenia and the Diaspora. Today we welcomed one of the three torches symbolizing the Games and the unity of the Armenian people,” Governor of Shirak Province Felix Tsolakyan mentioned in his speech and attached importance to the initiative to hold the Pan-Armenian Games in Gyumri. For the first time in the history of the Games, the football and footzal tournaments of the Pan-Armenian Games will be held in Gyumri.

The torch was then taken to Sardarapat Memorial and will later be taken to Etchmiadzin to be blessed by the Catholicos of All Armenians. On August 2, the three torches will be brought to Hrazdan Stadium of Yerevan, marking the launch of the 6^th Pan-Armenian Summer Games.