PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—No exuberant fanfare. No flying doves or hot air balloons. No political dribble.
This year’s Opening Ceremonies was short, sweet, and right to the point—just the way some 200 participating athletes liked it. They didn’t want their long-awaited performances tainted by long, laborious speeches.
In fact, it was so toned down from previous years that except for the parading athletes, all that made the trek around the track were two aging Olympic Queens.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan brought along his blessings from the Prelacy in this, the Year of the Woman. The prelate paid homage to the women from World War II, which underscored this year’s theme.
“I commend these young women who kept the AYF tradition intact and functioning while their male counterparts were overseas fighting the war,” he pointed out. “They should be recognized for their vigilance and foresight. Their perseverance kept the community structure viable.”
The prelate wished the athletes well and encouraged them to remain intact as a community ready to perpetuate their heritage.
“For nearly eight decades, you have accomplished a rich history of service for our people,” he added. “May God continue to provide you with the wisdom to serve our future.”
In representing the ARF, chairman Antranig Kasbarian called the Olympics the preeminent event inside our community.
“Look upon it as a homecoming to renew our efforts toward higher national ideals,” he told the athletes. “Times have become more challenging and complicated in our society. We need to hold our national unity more than ever.”
Speaking on behalf of the ARS was vice-chairman Suzanne Azarian, who expounded upon the centennial celebration of her organization this year.
“The ARS has fed the hungry, helped house the displaced, and strived to help educate our young and maintain our culture,” she pointed out. “In Armenia, we’ve addressed the needs of women and children with a Mother/Child Clinic and Birthing Center where over 500 healthy children were born.”
Azarian also pointed to the revised Youth Connect program at New York University as being well attended and received.
Lauren DaSilva has served the AYF Central in an exemplary role and once again represented her organization with a riveting message before presenting the Varadian Spirit Award to Steve Dulgarian.
“The AYF is a grassroots organization,” she emphasized. “The term emphasizes participation and leadership of its members on a local level—an organization that’s built from the ground up. As Armenian Diasporans, we still have an obligation to our homeland and fight for our country through words, petitions, protests, and political action. Our goal is to see that communities work together to their fullest potential.”
Elizabeth Dramgotchian spoke on behalf of the HMEM, encouraging both organizations to unite in keeping the culture and heritage vital.
“May the colors of the Armenian flag shine as bright as ever,” she said.
Anthony Deese did a commendable job as master of ceremonies while chairman Raffi Hovagimian represented the Philadelphia AYF in welcoming the crowd.
Soloist Maroush Nigon sang a rousing rendition of both national anthems. Also on hand was Rev. Nerses Manoogian, pastor, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.
On came the athletes, signaling the start.
Tom Vartabedian
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