Stepanian: AYF Olympics Is Fast Approaching ... And Providence Is Ready!

By Margaret Stepanian

The 2009 AY-YOARF Olympic Games will take place over the Labor Day Weekend in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Providence Olympic Steering Committee, co-chaired by Hrant Khatachdourian and Mark Mesrobian, representing the AYF and alumni respectively, have been meeting on a monthly basis, and now a weekly basis, planning and implementing what we all know will be another memorable Providence Olympics.

Our subcommittees have been diligent and the venues are in place. Additionally, the local Steering Committee and chairs have been working closely with the New England representative of the Olympic Governing Body, Ken Topalian. The other members of the Governing Body are David Papazian (Mid-Atlantic) and Alex Sarafian (Mid-West). Additionally, Lauren Da Silva, who represents the AYF Central Executive, has been a regular at our meetings.

Steve Elmasian has arranged the athletic venues as follows: Golf will be played at Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence. Triggs has a long-standing reputation in the city and state, and we are sure you will enjoy their course.

Tennis has been scheduled at the Smithfield Campus of Bryant College, and in the event of rain, the tournament will be moved to the indoor facilities of Rally Point in Smithfield.

Seekonk High School, in Seekonk, Mass., is the site of the swimming events. Although the pool is in another state, it is only a hop, step, and jump from downtown Providence. Levon Attarian, the chair of our Transportation Committee, has arranged for seamless passage to Seekonk and all venues throughout the weekend. Although the smallest state in the Union, Rhode Island is ideally located to nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The Saturday Softball Games will be played on the Masonic Youth Grounds in Warwick, R.I. Softball by the sea! The Masonic Youth Grounds are located on the water. Come enjoy the competition and picnic. Our Picnic and Concessions Committee, chaired by Harout Taraksian, promises to keep us well fed all weekend. Again, Warwick is easy to get to via Route 95 from downtown Providence.

Track and field is scheduled for Cranston High School West in Cranston, R.I. There is easy access to the field from the city if you prefer to drive. This particular field hosted the 2003 Olympic track and field events. We are looking forward to another fantastic Opening Ceremonies thanks to committee chairs Harry Kushigian and Nora Palandjian.

The two hotels, the Biltmore Hotel and Courtyard Marriott, are within two blocks of each other and the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC). The RICC, where the dances will be held, are within a short walking distance from both hotels.

If you are interested in shopping, the Providence Place Mall is a just a short walk away from the hotels. If you will be arriving in Providence by train, the Amtrak Union Station is directly across from the mall and quite close to the hotels—close enough to walk to the Marriott and the Biltmore (all downhill).

The Biltmore Hotel is the headquarters for the weekend. It is adjacent to Providence City Hall and overlooks the heart of the city. But, the Biltmore is sold out, although rooms are still available at the Courtyard Marriott!

The Olympic Welcoming Committee will be set up in the Biltmore lobby ready to greet you. Yeretsgin Joanna Baghsarian and her Welcoming Committee will ensure you have the answers to all of your questions. Driving directions to all the athletic venues and restaurants will be included in your welcoming packets.

The second hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott at 32 Exchange Terrace in downtown Providence. The Courtyard is practically across the street from the Biltmore and overlooks Waterplace Park and the mall. The Courtyard also boasts a pool and hot tub. Each guest must make their own reservation by calling (888) 887-7955 or (401) 272-1191. Remember to request the rate for 2009 AYF Olympics. To reserve online, visit www.courtyard.com/pvddt. The code for a room with one king bed and pull-out sleep sofa is “armarma”; the code for a room with two queen beds is “armarmb.”

The Social Committee, chaired by Fotini Dionisopoulos and Alice Donabedian, have planned great entertainment all weekend. The Friday AYF Dance (featuring the Artsakh Band and Rhode Island’s own DJ Harout); the Saturday Night Dance (the Aravod Band with Mal Barsamian); the Sunday Night Grand Ball (2009 AYF All-Stars Onnik Dinkjian (vocals), Hachig Kazarian (clarinet), Ara Dinkjian (keyboard), John Berberian (oud), Carnig Mikitarian (saxophone), Bruce Gigarjian (dumbeg), Jason Naroian (dumbeg and vocals), and Paul Mooradian (tambourine)); and of course the closing picnic on Monday (Providence AYF Alumni All-Stars).

Hookups on Saturday night (DJ Harout) and Sunday night (the Aravod Ensemble with DJ Harout) will be held in the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Friday night will also feature an Olympic favorite—Alumni Night. Committee chairs Karen Kaprielian Pilla and Elyse Kaprielian Comella have been preparing a special night of music, memories, and food. Entertainment will be provided by Hachig Kazarian (clarinet), Joe Kouyoumdjian (oud and background vocals), Ken Kalajian (guitar), and Jason Naroian (dumbeg and vocals).

Save money on the admission throughout the weekend with the Hye Pass. Three different packages are available to fit your needs. The Hye Pass may be purchased online by visiting www.ayfolympics.org.

And lastly, prepare yourselves for an outstanding weekend. The AYF Olympic Games are by far the best of its kind bringing together so many individuals, families, and friends. It exemplifies teamwork, dedication, and a national spirit that is rare.

Until next time!