From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.—Speeches and other formalities aside, the Opening Ceremonies proved a rather colorful and meaningful introduction to these 79th annual Olympic Games held at the new $200 million Newton North High School.
Thirteen chapters and some 200 athletes marched along the track as close to 2,000 spectators showed their appreciation under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
One very distinct highlight was a cadre of youngsters releasing tri-colored balloons in observance of the 500th anniversary of the Armenian printing press.
“This has played a significant role in preserving and transmitting our language, faith, and culture,” said Greater Boston Chapter president Antranig Avedissian. “The 500th anniversary also coincides with UNESCO’s nomination of Yerevan as 2012 Armenian Book Capital. It’s a tribute to the power and reach we have through our literature.”
Avedissian further praised the AYF’s 79-year legacy in its role in preserving the Armenian nation and heritage.
A moment of silence was offered to three deceased icons of Olympic lore—Rosanne Chebookjian, Mal Varadian, and David Papazian—each of whom succumbed this past year.
Also introduced were co-Olympic Kings Rich Chebookjian and Ara Krafian, along with Varadian Spirit recipient Astor Guzelian. All three were honored at the Alumni Reunion on Friday night.
The appearance of best-selling author Chris Bohjalian was another ideal touch, especially with his book The Sandcastle Girls, which has taken the literary front by storm. (A separate story on Bohjalian is elsewhere in this edition.)
The melodic voice of Sevan Dulgarian was also warmly received. The 17-year-old Bedford High senior enthralled the gathering with her rendition of the national anthems, including all four verses of “Mer Hairenik.” 
The words “Sevan! Sevan!” reverberated throughout the stadium as applause rang out.
In his remarks, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan touched upon the current turmoil in Syria, saying, “Our hearts are heavy with distress for our brothers and sisters in that battered land whose lives have been turned upside down.”
Always one to focus on the athletes, Srpazan added some words of wisdom. “To participate and contribute for the greater good is a noble achievement,” he brought out. “You must look beyond this small playing field to the greater arenas of the world. Contribute your unique abilities and skills for the collective good of humankind.”
Representing the AYF Central Executive was Raffi Hovagimian, who mentioned the Javakhk Project in Armenia.
“AYF chapters across the region are educating their communities about Javakhk in hopes of using the advantages awarded to us in America to help promote our fellow Armenians,” he said. “It’s a testament to what the AYF family can do when rallying behind a cause with the collection of food, clothing, school supplies, and other necessities.”
In representing the ARF Central Committee, Dikran Kaligian called upon the youth to get involved with other internal projects such as lobbying in Washington, serving as United Nations diplomats, and taking advantage of internships in Armenia.
“The opportunities to serve your heritage and culture are boundless,” he told the athletes. “Go back to your churches and communities with a fresh approach to service and commitment. Always stay involved.”
Ungerouhi Suzy Azarian, representing the ARS Eastern Region, took note of the recent surge at the last convention, when $22,000 was raised for Syrian-Armenian schools. Other missions of goodwill throughout the world were carefully delineated.
“We’ve revamped our Summer Studies Program to a one-day seminar now called the Youth Connect Program,” she said.
Aram Kayserian brought greetings on behalf of the Homenetmen’s Eastern Region. “Elevate yourself and others around you,” he said. “A mixture of social, educational, and athletic programs makes our organizations uniquely similar. We will continue to maintain strong ties with the AYF in developing a bright future for all.”
The procession of athletes was like an eclectic road show. Providence came dressed in black as a memorial tribute to Mal Varadian. Washington featured its American Eagle mascot as next year’s host. The Canadians were well represented behind Montreal and Toronto. New Jersey did a kick dance and both Worcester and Hartford emerged on the scene for the first time in many years.
Worcester unveiled a dozen athletes for the first time in seven years, led by four Avakian sisters (Talin, Kohar, and twins Nairi and Garineh) and the Charchaflian siblings (Hovig and Knar). A tennis medal Friday put them on the scoreboard.
Bostonians Araxi Krafian and Kevork Ourfalian carried the Olympic torch, signaling the official start of the games.
Tom Vartabedian
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