BOSTON, Mass. (A.W.)—The 79th annual AYF Olympics were held Aug. 30-Sept. 3 in Boston, attracting thousands of athletes, parents, AYF alumni, and friends.
Providence emerged victorious with 176 points, with Boston securing the number two spot (145 points), and Philly comfortably securing third place.
Below are the standings and highlights. The Armenian Weekly will publish a special insert dedicated to the games in early October.
Chapter Standings—79th Annual AYF Olympics
1. Providence – 176 points
2. Greater Boston – 145
3. Philadelphia – 124
4. Detroit – 49
5. New Jersey – 39
6. Granite City – 23
7. Worcester – 20
8. Toronto – 16
9. Chicago – 12
10. Montreal – 5
11. North Andover – 3
12. Racine – 0
13. Washington – 0
Most Improved Chapter
Worcester
Softball Champion
New Jersey
High Scorers (15 points each)
Michelle Hagopian (Granite City) – golf, discus, baseball throw
Lynne Tutunjian (Providence) – 25 freestyle, 50 breaststroke, 25 butterfly
Mike Kaiserian (Philadelphia) – 50 butterfly, 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle
Stephen Tutunjian (Providence) – high jump, long jump, triple jump
Greg Hamalian (Providence) – 800, 1600, 3200
Pentathlon Winners
Nairi Krafian (Greater Boston) – 2,080 points
Vigen Sarkisov (Greater Boston) – 2,560 points
Outstanding Records
Lindsey Santerian (Philly) – triple jump (33’1”)
Stephen Tutunjian (Providence) – long jump (22’2 1/4”) and triple jump (48’41/2”)
Taleen Shahrigian (Detroit) – 800 (2:25.1) and 1600 (5:17.5)
Greg Hamalian (Providence) – 1600 meters (4:33)
Ernest Nahigian Sportsmanship Award
Raffi Markarian (Detroit)
Olympic Kings
Richard Chebookjian and Ara Krafian
Varadian Spirit Award
Astor Guzelian
Cory Tosoian Alumni Golf Award
John Aharonian (Winchester) – 78
The AYF Olympics in Boston was an incredible success. The organizing committee did an outstanding job in all phases of the weekend. Our congratulations and thanks to them. This event continues to be one of the most unique experiences in the Armenian community. A true multi-generational happening in a comfortable Armenian environment. The dances were jammed and the geographic diversity of the crowds is always impressed. The AYF experience (whether the camp, organization or Olympics) generates such strong emotional bonds that attendance is almost self-generating. It has been and will continue to be the place to be. The AYF has created a recipe that is sustainable. The presence of Chris Bohjalian and the support from the Weekly community and Khatchig added wonderful value to the proceedings. Go for the athletic games. Go for the social activity. Go to be inspired by the presence of hundreds of Armenian youth. But do yourself a favor. Be a part of the Olympics experience.