Officially marking the start Homenetmen’s 31st annual Navasartian Games–the Navasartian torch was lit Sunday–May 7 in front of the Khatchkar (cross-stone) at St. Mary’s Apostolic Church in Glendale. Following a flag ceremony by Homenetmen’s Boy Scouts–Aram Chobanian spoke on behalf of the Homenetmen Regional Executive.
Chobanian said that more 3000 athletes will take part in this year’s games and the tournament will include 650 basketball games alone–making it the second largest in Southern California.
Homenetmen Central Executive members Mher Tavitian and Manuel Marselian–Armenian Relief Society –Western Region (ARS) Chairwoman Angela Savoian and Regional Executive member Rita Hintlian–LA City Councilmember Wendy Greuel–and various Homenetmen representatives were present at the event.
During the ceremony–Father Vazken Atmajian blessed the fire–after which Homenetmen Regional Chairman Raffi Ispenjian passed the torch to the athletes–symbolizing the opening of the games.