2009 Eastern JAG: AYF Spirit Alive and Well

By Taleen Lachinian

All around us, we see the Armenian and AYF spirit. Whether it is through our pride to be Armenian, good sportsmanship, or just having a good time, we as an AYF community are together to enjoy each other’s company and to expand our heritage. This was exactly the atmosphere at this year’s Junior Athletic Games (JAG), which took place Sept. 25-27, and was hosted by the Philadelphia “Papken Suni” Junior Chapter. This year’s games were well represented by Juniors from the Philadelphia “Papken Suni,” Greater Boston “Nejdeh,” New Jersey “Arsen,” North Andover “Sassoun,” Providence “Varantian,” and New York “Hyortik” Chapters. There were also many AYF Seniors, parents, and alumni who actively supported the weekend.

Some of the highlights included the shot-put, the mile, two-mile, long jump, various sprints, and of course, the relays. Ani Sarajian of New Jersey dominated in older girls shot-put with an amazing distance—and personal best—of 27.5 ft. In the two-mile, only two boys participated: Boston Juniors Berj Chilingirian and Samuel Chakmakjian. The one-mile run was a co-ed race and an exciting one. Arev Dinkjian and Christopher Tarzian (both of New Jersey) participated, along with Sevan Dulgarian, Ani Chilingirian, Berj Chilingirian, and Samuel Chakmakjian (all of Boston). Berj Chilingirian took first in long jump, jumping well over 16 ft. In the younger girl sprints, Anoush Krafian, in her first year as a Junior, and Maral Merian (both from Boston) each won three golds.

In my opinion, the most exciting athletic event of the weekend were the relays, and especially the older boys’ relay. The beginning of the relay appeared to be a normal one, but when in the third leg of the Boston relay, Levon Merian lost his shoe, and then the anchor Nick Knaian fell and almost dropped the baton, it looked as though New Jersey, led by Garo Sarajian, was going to win the race. But, Nick got up and sprinted to the finish, narrowly winning the race for a photo finish. It would be an understatement to say that it was an incredible race.

Overall, every single participant gave 100 percent effort in the competition. The high scorers were all from Boston: Berj Chilingirian (older boys), Nairi Krafian (older girls), Kevork Hamparian (younger boys), and Anoush Krafian and Maral Merian (tied for younger girls). The chapter standings were: Greater Boston, first; New Jersey, second; Philadelphia, third; New York, fourth; Providence, fifth; and North Andover, sixth.

Even though the Boston Juniors swept their fifth consecutive JAG title, everybody really was a winner. I myself am a member of the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter and have been for five years. Of all the events throughout the year, JAG has always been my favorite, and this year was no different. JAG has always been a rewarding experience. I want to thank the Seniors, Juniors, and parents of the Philadelphia chapter for hosting such a fun event and for helping us do our best. I speak for all when I say that this JAG weekend was a pleasant, enjoyable, and memorable weekend for everybody who attended.

Taleen Lachinian is a member of the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter.