The Homenetmen Navasartian 40th Athletic Games are underway, continuing under the generosity of this year’s Honorary Presidents, Varant and Hoori Melkonian. Last weekend marked the seventh weekend of competition of this year’s games.
Softball competitions were held at Birmingham High School on the weekend of June 13-14. This year marks the first time that the sport has been included in the Games, creating great interest among its participants and spectators. Seven teams from the Homenetmen Los Angeles, Pasadena “Azadamard,” Glendale “Ararat,” Montebello, and Massis Chapters participated in the softball competition. The tournament was organized by Regional Athletic Council member Hratch Arzoumanian. The championship game between the Homenetmen Montebello and Pasadena “Azadamard” chapters ended with Montebello winning the crowning title.
Swimming and track and field competitions were also held at Birmingham High School that same weekend. On Saturday, June 13, 41 individuals from 9 chapters participated in swim meets in various divisions and created much enthusiasm among viewers.
Sunday, June 14 was dedicated to track and field meets, which brought together 103 athletes. Distant chapters, including the Las Vegas “Artsakh” and Inland Empire “Araz” chapters were among the competitors.
49-year old Homenetmen Phoenix Chapter member Henrik Kaprielian participated for the twenty-seventh consecutive year in the long-distance track and field competition. This year, Kaprielian participated in the 1500m and 3000m meets and was victorious.
Soccer competitions for numerous divisions were held at the Pacific Community Center and Glendale Sports Complex on Saturday, June 21. Though the Games do not officially include an 8-year-old division, friendly games were held to the spirit and enthusiasm of teams, parents, and spectators, like the game between the Azadamard and Massis chapters.
This weekend will see a continuation of basketball and soccer competitions at Birmingham High School. Basketball competitions will also be held at the Homenetmen Massis chapter’s new gym.
All semi-final and final athletic competitions will be held on the weekend of July 2-5 at Birmingham High School.
The Navasartian Victory Banquet will be held on Friday, July 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The four-day festival will begin on Thursday, July 2 at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-10, and free for children under 5. The festival will be open until midnight on each day, and will feature performances by various artists, a wide selection of food provided by the chapters, and an arts and crafts section for children.
Closing ceremonies will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 5 p.m. during which Homenetmen chapters and athletes will march and the winning teams will receive their trophies. The Navasartian festival will continue following the ceremonies. The A division men’s and women’s teams will also compete in championship games in the main gym, with an admission price of $5, following the closing ceremonies. The proceeds from both championship games will benefit teams participating in the upcoming pan-Homenetmen athletic games in Armenia.
With soaring expectations, Birmingham High School should serve as a gathering place for us all during the weekend of July 2-5.
Source: Daily
Link: Homenetmen’s 40th Annual Navasartian Games Underway