On Mar. 20 at 7:00, official guests, members of unions and delegations and several others attended the solemn opening of the 26^th Spring Games held at the hall of “Ararat” Armenian Sport and Cultural Association of New Julfa. The 26^th Spring Games are dedicated to the 70^th anniversary of Ararat Armenian Cultural Organization of Tehran.

The event began with opening remarks by the master of ceremonies, after which the Association’s Scouts entered with the flag and performed the national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The performance was followed by the entrance of the delegates, including athletes of the “Ararat” Armenian Cultural Organization of Tehran, the Sipan Armenian Athletic and Educational Association, the “Charmahal” Armenian Students Association, the “Raffi” Armenian Sport-Cultural Complex, the “Ararat” Armenian Cultural Organization’s branch in Tavriz, as well as the “Ararat” Armenian Athletic and Cultural Association of New Julfa and the Shahinshahr branch.

On the occasion, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan, Bishop Babgen Charian expressed his joy for the fact that these Games were dedicated to the 70^th anniversary of the “Ararat” Armenian Cultural Organization and mentioned: “For the past 70 years, the AACO has been making its contributions to the preservation of the Armenian identity, the upbringing of Armenian children and the development of Armenian culture. Let’s recall all those who have  made their contributions and have left us throughout the past 70 years. May they Rest in Peace…Let’s express deep respect to the current members who take the time and put in all their efforts to serve the AACO.”

“Today serves as an occasion to address the fact that His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos the Great House of Cilicia declared the year 2014 the Year of the Elderly. It’s fair for us to thank and respect our elders, distinguished coaches and athletes,” said His Holiness and urged the athhletes to be brave and participate in the tournaments. Among other speakers were chairman of the Organization’s Central Board Massis Minassian, member of the AACO Board Rubina Galstian and deputy of the Iranian-Armenians of Isfahan and Southern Iran in the Parliament of Iran Robert Beglarian, who delivered his speech in Persian as a sign of respect to the Persian guests.

In the beginning of the second part of the program, a group entered with a torch lit with the fire from the Armenian Genocide Memorial. The torch was lit by arm wrestler Oshin Ter-Grigorian for the 26^th Spring Games. It should be mentioned that prior to the official opening of the Games, on the same day at 16:00, Primate of the Armenian Diocese, Bishop Babgen Charian had lit and blessed the torch in the presence of the national authorities and members of the Central Committee and had handed it to the main torchbearer, who took it to the center where he was joined by basketball player Maneh Hovsepian and swimmer Ani Mkrtchian. After lighting the torch, the athletes gave an oath. The event became more exciting with a performance symbolizing the coming of spring by Krunk Ensemble, as well as dance numbers and the performances of songs by the young members of the Komitas Choir of S. A-Monastery. In the end, the speakers expressed words of gratitude to those who made the Games possible and wished the athletes success.

The five-day Games are being held at the initiative of the Central Committtee of the “Ararat” Armenian Athletic-Cultural Association of New Julfa and with the support of the Union, the Sport, Cultural, Youth, Scout and Student Unions, the organizing committee, the regulatory body and individuals.

The closing ceremony will be held with the handing of medals on Mar. 25.

Yeranush Tahmazian

New Julfa, Iran