As the co-chair of the AYF-YOARF 90th Annual Senior Olympic Games, I initially believed that this year’s Olympics would feel different from previous experiences, especially since I had never co-chaired an Olympic Steering Committee before. I thought that the hectic schedule — juggling numerous responsibilities, managing the myriad details and serving the thousands of Armenians in attendance — might diminish the magic that typically permeates the weekend. I was wrong.
As with every host chapter, our planning began over a year ago. As the event drew nearer, I found myself pondering, “What will the Olympics feel like from this perspective?” I am delighted to say that it surpassed all expectations.
From the very first day, starting Thursday night when the hotel lobby buzzed with the spirit of the AYF Olympics, I was captivated by the vibrant energy around me. Throughout the wonderfully busy weekend, whenever I found a moment to pause and reflect, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “How?” How have we achieved this? How have we sustained it? How has this event continued to inspire such incredible joy in our community for the 90th time?
Hosting an Olympics is no small feat. It requires everyone’s commitment, and Detroit has exemplified this perfectly. We witnessed unwavering dedication not only from our athletes but also from the families who traveled from near and far to be here. Behind the scenes, countless phone calls, endless emails and an undeniable passion for this organization made it all possible.
While we certainly didn’t discover the perfect formula for hosting the ideal AYF-YOARF Olympic Games in Detroit, there is an agreed upon intangible element that ties everything together — the magic in the air. This magic is brought to life by each and every individual present. The magic lies in knowing that what we’re doing has been done 89 times before — the dancing, the singing, the competition and the love. It has all thrived in the past and continues to flourish today.
Throughout the planning process, I frequently spoke with my uncle, David Shahrigian, who was also a member of the Steering Committee. Uncle David, an ARF unger and the 2024
AYF-YOARF Olympic King, imparted a great deal of wisdom during our conversations (though I and many others might be hesitant to admit it). Of all the insights he shared, the one that resonated with me most was his reminder: “We have nothing without the AYF-YOARF.”
The most important lesson I’ve learned while co-chairing the AYF-YOARF 90th Annual Senior Olympic Games is this: take the magic you carry within you, and share it with the AYF. Whether it’s at the Olympic Games, Junior Seminar, Camp Haiastan or within your local chapter, the AYF-YOARF ignites magic in each of us — and with that magic, we have everything.
Steering Committee message: The 2024 AYF-YOARF Olympic Games Steering Committee sends its gratitude to all those who attended, supported and contributed to the 90th AYF-YOARF Olympic Games in Detroit. Hosting the 90th Olympics was a profound honor. We recognize that everyone’s participation, attendance and support, not only for the 90th but for the last 90 years, have allowed us to come this far. We are indebted to the AYF-YOARF for creating a platform for us to see achievements like this and most importantly for always giving Armenians a “place” to call home. Furthermore, we look forward to hosting again in the future and can’t wait to see everyone in Boston in 2025!
Araxie Tossounian
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