VAN NUYS—Homenetmen’s 28th Annual Interscholastic Competition—KAHAM Games—came to an end on Saturday, May 12 at Birmingham High School, where local Armenian school athletes, principals, teachers, and parents gathered for the closing ceremony, which had been postponed from March 18th due to inclement weather.The ceremony began with the playing of Homenetmen’s anthem Harach Nahadag and followed with Suzy Ohanian, the program’s MC, welcoming and introducing guests, including Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian who attended on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Homenetmen Central Executive member Viken Tavitian, principals of participating Armenian schools, teaching staff, parents, Homenetmen members, and numerous guests.
Ohanian paid special mention to the fact that among the guests was George Jamgochian, who is the first individual in KAHAM’s history to generously sponsor the games. Jamgochian was also the Honorary President during the 35th Annual Navasartian Games. In further addressing the audience, she highlighted that for the past 28 years, the KAHAM Games have allowed for a safe and healthy athletic environment for Armenian school students. At the same time, the games serve a dual purpose of familiarizing students with Homenetmen. After congratulating this year’s participants of the KAHAM games, as well as the schools and parents who lent their support, Ohanian invited Quint Chemnitz, Chairperson of the Regional Athletic Council, to deliver the Regional Executive’s message.
“The 28th Annual KAHAM Games have brought together over 1,000 Armenian athletes from 13 Armenian schools and one team consisting of Armenian students, who attend various public schools. Students come together to compete in various sports, renew friendships, and make new friends in the comfort of a safe, culturally rich environment, making us that much prouder of their achievements,” stated Chemnitz, who has helped in the organizing efforts of these games throughout the years.
Dr. Alina Dorian, Principal of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, addressed guests on behalf of participating schools, and stressed the importance of athletics in relation to good health. She congratulated and commended the student athletes for their participation and extended well wishes for continued success in both athletics and academics.
Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian conveyed blessings on behalf of Archbishop Mardirossian, offered students encouragement to participate in future KAHAM games, and followed by blessing the trophies.
Homenetmen Regional Executive Chairperson Garnik Abrahamian and Chemnitz presented the trophies in various sports to schools, with the announcements made by the Council’s staff member Nareg Medzachian, a Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter scout leader. Guests applauded the student athletes’ accomplishments with enthusiastic spirit.
Below is a listing of the 28th Annual KAHAM Games’ overall rankings. Detailed results can be found online by visiting www.homenetmen.net.
BASKETBALL
1st Place: Chamlian
2nd Place: Ferrahian
3rd Place: Pilibos
SOCCER
1st Place: AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian
2nd Place: Chamlian
3rd Place: Pilibos
VOLLEYBALL
1st Place: Ferrahian
2nd Place: Chamlian
3rd Place: AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian
TRACK AND FIELD
1st Place: Chamlian
2nd Place: Ferrahian
3rd Place: AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian
