CHICAGO—They say there’s nothing like Midwest hospitality, so the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter of the AYF-YOARF is out to prove that motto IS true! The 86th Annual AYF Olympics is an annual, multi-dimensional Labor Day weekend full of social and fraternal events, and traditional athletic tournaments ranging from softball and tennis to swimming and track. This year, for the first time, we offer basketball as well. The Olympics will take place from Thursday, August 29 to Monday, September 2.
Chicago is proud and humbled to once again host this colossal event, which draws more than 3,000 Armenians from across the country and Canada. Attendees compete, celebrate victories, and enjoy the fun only Armenians and AYF-ers can comprehend. And if you can understand it—all of it—then you need to join us.
The “Ararats” are thinking outside the box in their own special way, featuring these new additions:
- 3 on 3 Basketball on Friday!
- Comedian Vahe Berberian at posh Zanie’s Comedy Club on Thursday night!
- Vahe, Tigran Asatryan, Harout Pamboukjian, Onnig Dinkjian and the AYF All Stars—back to back parties, epic entertainment and a $125/discount rate Hye Pass for all four dances during the long weekend!
- A themed Armenia Night/Dance starring Tigran Asatryan, with an AYF Art Show, Vernissage Yerevan-like bazaar complete with gift items, Armenian henna and more on Friday night!
- The mascot, the Chicago Amo, everyone’s favorite uncle, being char as always!
- Three Armigos as MC’s at the Sun Track!
- Track is less than 10 minutes away from hotel.
- Three free shuttles will be available: One from O’Hare Airport, one for around town and one to events and back.
- And the ultra-creative chapter is plotting a few crazy surprises along the way!
Spokesperson and Marketing Manager for the event Ardem Hardy, an alumni, says, “We created the theme “Meet Us in the Middle” because it was fitting. We are not only geographically in the center of the U.S. and Canada—or as close as you can be—but it also represents a middle ground for ALL Armenians, regardless of what church, what organization, community or area you are from…to meet here. It is not political meeting, but a social, fraternal one; as to meet in the middle means to meet halfway. And that’s what this Olympics represents. This is everybody’s Olympics.”
Olympics attendees from Canada, East Coast, West Coast and everywhere in between are planning reunions and fundraisers to attend. For more information and to check flights, buy tickets, ad book, Hye Pass, comedy show admission and more, visit the website, or email the Chicago chapter.
Now, there are two words left to say: Pari Yegak!
