Plans are underway for the 47th annual Homenetmen Navasartian Games and Festival, an esteemed tradition honoring Armenian scouting, sportsmanship, and community camaraderie.
Under the theme “NextGen,” this year’s festivities, bolstered by the support of Mike and Evelina Sarian as Honorary Presidents, are poised to encapsulate a revival of civic pride, volunteerism, and excellence in athletics and scouting.
Mike Sarian, an industry-famed health care leader and revered figure in the Armenian community renowned for his benevolence and dedication to the Armenian Cause, along with his wife Evelina, are deeply entrenched in the ethos of Homenetmen. Mike’s roots in Homenetmen as a former scout in Beirut, Lebanon, and Evelina’s passion for gymnastics, sportsmanship and excellence exemplify the organization’s motto of “Elevate Yourself and Others with You.” Their tie to the organization is also rooted at home, too. “My dedication and passion to this organization are further strengthened by my daughter Kristen’s active involvement in basketball,” said Mike Sarian.
Enthusiastic to discuss the multiple events and activities that surround the Navasartian Games and Festival, the Sarian family reflected on the organization, its mission, and its future. “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Evelina Sarian, underscoring their commitment to Homenetmen’s mission. “We strive to take the best and make it even better,” she adds, echoing a sentiment of perpetual improvement and advancement for every generation of youth.
As Honorary Presidents, Mike and Evelina Sarian eagerly anticipate attending the upcoming events, acknowledging the pivotal role of volunteers in the success of the Navasartian Games. Volunteers, they believe, form the backbone of the organization, fostering an environment of familial enjoyment, healthy competition, and community cohesion.
Furthermore, they applaud the Armenian youth for their contributions to various fields, from athletics to science to business, and encourage them to remain active, engaged, and excel in academics. “I encourage our youth to stay active in athletics, be involved in the community and excel in academics,” said Mike Sarian. “It is not only important to be physically healthy, but to be healthy in spirit and mind too. With the faith of God, looking forward, our future is bright and filled with great opportunities,” added Evelina,
Beyond their commitments to Homenetmen, the Sarians are actively engaged in various community, charitable, and civic organizations, dedicating numerous hours and financial resources to supporting organizations, nonprofits, health institutions, and hospitals. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community, Mike Sarian was honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2015. In 2018, he was further recognized with the Republic of Armenia’s Medal of “Mkhitar Heratsi” for his contributions to the promotion of health and medical sectors in Armenia. “Another great honor was the inauguration of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy office in Brussels in memory of my father, Yerjanik Sarian,” stated Mike Sarian. “It was a memorable day for me and my family and an important day for the advancement of Hai Tad.”
The Homenetmen Regional Executive extends heartfelt congratulations to Mike and Evelina Sarian, expressing gratitude for their unwavering generosity, dedication, and inspiration to the Armenian community. Their unwavering commitment serves as a shining beacon for future generations, embodying the core values and traditions of Homenetmen.
Mike and Evelina Sarian encourage their family, friends, and colleagues to support and contribute to the success of the 47th Annual Navasartian Games and Festival. They believe this event is not only an opportunity to promote Homenetmen’s mission and vision but also to support the future of Armenian youth.
“As Honorary Presidents, we celebrate the scouting, athletic, and volunteer efforts of the 10,000 plus Homenetmen brothers and sisters and 18 vibrant chapters,” commented Mike and Evelina Sarian. “We welcome the community to join in this grand celebration.”
