PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—When it comes to age, Ann Papazian and Virginia Tourigian are classic examples of the monumental pomp.
After being crowned Olympic Queens at this 77th annual AYF Olympiad, the two venerables took their place at the head of the class. They led the parade of athletes around the track passing before the stadium crowd with 200 athletes behind them—Virginia with her walker and Ann holding her arm.
It was a sight to belong on this sunny afternoon during Opening Ceremonies with hundreds looking on and cheering the teams.
Tourigian dates back to the World War II era when she provided moral support to the men fighting overseas. She was also recognized for that service two nights before.
“I never really left the AYF,” she tells you. “It’s been a very important part of my life. I gain my strength from it. These are moments to be cherished.”
Her sentiments are mirrored by Papazian, another vital cog in the Philly AYF wheel.
“God is smiling down upon us,” she beamed. “These kids worked their tails off to rebuild the chapter. I respect them for that. To be a part of this success story overwhelms me. I’m looking forward to giving the winners their medals as a queen.”
Tourigian joined the AYF at 15 and seldom, if ever, missed an Olympics. She served the executive in most every capacity and wrote the “AYF Newscaster,” which was dispatched to AYF servicemen off fighting the war.
She collected money for war bonds and spent considerable time recruiting members to fill the ranks during the lean years. Her Convention days date back to 1947 when she also bowled and played basketball.
Tourigian also organized an Olympics trip to Los Angeles in 1972. She served on the ARS executive and helped children attend AYF Camp Haiastan with scholarship aid.
Papazian, too, joined the AYF at 15 and ran the dashes in track. She coached and played basketball, considered among the best in her region, and chaired Olympic Alumni Night three times. Son Glenn brought victory back to Philly in basketball during the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Both women are active members of St. Gregory’s Church where Papazian ran the graduation communion breakfast.
“I dedicate this tribute to people like Nejdeh and Arthur Giragosian who labored intensely to give our youth a positive outlet,” added Tourigian. “There’s nothing like youth unity to keep ourselves energetic and forthright.”
Tom Vartabedian
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