New Jersey gears up for 92nd AYF Olympics
The Armenian Youth Federation Olympic Games are heading to New Jersey this Labor Day weekend, bringing athletes, alumni, families and supporters together for the 92nd edition of one of the Armenian American community’s longest-running traditions.
From Sept. 3-7, 2026, “All Roads Lead to Jersey” as the AYF Olympics take over venues throughout northern New Jersey and neighboring Rockland County, New York. The weekend will feature athletic competition, live Armenian music, dancing, reunions and plenty of opportunities for the Armenian community to come together.
The 2026 Games mark the 92nd edition of the AYF Olympics, a tradition that dates to 1934. The AYF Olympic Games have featured more than 15,000 recorded results involving more than 2,600 athletes across the 91 previous Olympics.
This year’s Olympics will be headquartered at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, which also will serve as the setting for the weekend’s evening events. The hotel complex will provide a central gathering place for athletes, families, alumni and visitors arriving from across the United States. AYF Olympics merchandise also will be sold in the lobby.
Competition across northern New Jersey
The athletic portion of the Olympics will take place across five venues, with competitions in golf, tennis, swimming, softball and track and field.
The weekend gets underway Friday, Sept. 4, with golf at Meadows Golf Club in Lincoln Park. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., with the tournament scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. The AYF Olympics Open is also being offered to alumni, supporters and friends.
Tennis will take place Friday at Tenafly Racquet Club from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while swimming will be held that afternoon at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, athletes will take the field for the softball tournament at Riverside County Park-South in North Arlington. Competition is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The final day of athletic competition will be Sunday, Sept. 6, when track and field athletes gather at George W. Hodgins Stadium at Paramus High School. Events are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As always, the track and field meet will be highlighted by the Opening Ceremonies, including the athletes’ parade, the AYF Olympic Oath led by the newly crowned Olympic royalty, and speeches from attending dignitaries. We’ll also get a glimpse into the future of the organization with everyone’s favorite event: the kiddie race.
All athletic events are free and open to spectators, giving community members an opportunity to cheer on competitors throughout the weekend. Free transportation to and from the hotel also will be provided for each event.
A weekend built around community
While competition remains at the heart of the AYF Olympics, the weekend always has been about more than athletics. We are excited for this year’s entertainment lineup.
Before the weekend ramps up and the dances begin, Thursday night is for catching up. Drop your bags, grab a cocktail and see who made it to Jersey at the AYF Lounge in the Teaneck Marriott’s Manhattan Room. The weekend starts here.
While competition remains at the heart of the AYF Olympics, the weekend always has been about more than athletics.
Friday night will begin with the AYF Alumni Dance at 7 p.m., featuring the AYF Alumni Band, led by Michael Gostanian. Traditional mezze will be served, and the event will be highlighted by the AYF Olympics King and Queen and Varadian Spirit Award presentations.
After honoring our alumni, the festivities continue with the AYF Dance featuring Harout Bedrossian and Band. Come party the rest of the night away with your fellow AYFers.
The following night, we are excited to welcome Elie Berberian and Band for the AYF Olympics Saturday Night Dance. We know the AYF understands how to kef, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to fuel the fire.
The weekend’s festivities will culminate with the AYF Olympics Grand Ball, featuring the AYF Olympic All-Stars led by Shant Massoyan, beginning at 8:30 p.m. We’ll celebrate an amazing weekend of competition, sportsmanship and support for our organization. Chapter and individual awards also will be presented.
DJ Glo will also perform Saturday and Sunday nights.
The weekend’s entertainment lineup reflects one of the defining characteristics of the AYF Olympics: its ability to bring generations of the Armenian community together under one roof.
For those looking to experience the entire weekend, the Hye Pass provides access to all four nights of entertainment, including the Thursday AYF Lounge, Friday dances, Saturday night dance, Sunday Grand Ball and late-night Hookup Dances. Adult Hye Passes are $185, while youth Hye Passes for ages 7 to 12 are $75. Children under 6 attend free.
Athletes and alumni ready to compete
Competition is open to current active AYF-YOARF members who are 16 or older by the start of the Games. Athletes can participate in individual events, softball and relays, with competitions spanning Friday through Sunday.
With athletes and attendees traveling from chapters and communities around the country, the Olympics once again offer an opportunity for old friends to reconnect and new friendships to form.
New Jersey ‘Arsen’ AYF hosts the games
Hosting the Games in New Jersey gives this year’s Olympics a distinct regional character.
With the Teaneck Marriott serving as headquarters, the athletic venues stretch across Bergen, Passaic and Hudson-area communities, as well as across the New York state line to Rockland County for swimming.
The official Olympics hotel complex includes the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites, providing accommodations within the same Glenpointe complex. Complimentary parking is available at the partner hotels, while the Marriott serves as headquarters and home of the weekend’s major dances.
The location also makes the Games accessible to visitors arriving from around the region. Newark Penn Station is about 25 minutes from the hotel, while New York’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station is also within reach. Newark Liberty International Airport is about 40 minutes away.
92 years of tradition.
The AYF Olympics have evolved considerably since their beginning in 1934, but the central purpose of the Games remains familiar: bringing Armenian youth and the broader community together through athletics, camaraderie and culture.
The 2026 Games continue that legacy while introducing a new generation to the traditions that have made the Olympics an annual highlight of the Armenian American calendar.
For five days, New Jersey will become the meeting point for athletes competing for their chapters, alumni returning to reconnect with old friends, families cheering from the sidelines and community members simply looking to enjoy a Labor Day weekend surrounded by fellow Armenians.
All roads lead to Jersey.
The AYF Olympics have evolved considerably since their beginning in 1934, but the central purpose of the Games remains familiar: bringing Armenian youth and the broader community together through athletics, camaraderie and culture.
