YEREVAN—The opening ceremonies of the 8th Pan-Homenetmen Games took place Sat., Aug. 1 at Republic Square, with a parade of athletes. After the official opening and presentations, local entertainment and dance groups entertained the crowds.
On July 31, a press conference was held at the Marriott Hotel. Speaking on behalf of the organization was Homenetmen Central Executive member Mihran Shimishirian, Organizing Committee chairperson Manuel Marselian, and Homenetmen HASK chairperson Hratch Shmavonyan. Numerous media outlets were present at the press conference.
Shmavonyan welcomed those present and explaining how in its 91 years of existence, this would the first time that the Pan Homenetmen Games would be held in Armenia. The prior seven Pan Homenetmen Games were in various countries of the diaspora.
Also during the press conference, Shmavonyan noted that 450 athletes, coaches, and representatives were expected to arrive in Armenia specifically to participate in these games, and to compete in five athletic events: soccer, basketball, table tennis, swimming, and chess.
Shmavonyan further thanked numerous individuals and groups, especially the Armenian Football Federation, for aiding with the logistics in organizing these games. The Armenian Olympic Committee’s chair Gagik Dzaroukyan, he added, had presented the Homenetmen with a special trophy, which will be handed to the overall winner of the tournament.
Mihran Shimshirian then spoke about the founding and mission of the Homenetmen, about Homenetmen-HASK’s creation within the Republic of Armenia, and about Homenetmen’s participation in the International Scout Movement. He noted that the Homenetmen has over 100 chapters and 25,000 members throughout the world. He also stressed the importance of the 8th Pan Homenetmen Games being held in Armenia, especially for the younger generations, who are given the opportunity to visit their homeland and participate in the games.
Lastly, Manuel Marselian explained how alongside the athletes’ participation in the games, they will also take part in an educational seminar and visit the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial to pay their respects to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The athletes will also be given the opportunity to visit Lake Sevan.
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