Homenetmen KAHAM Games

Katcho and Araxi Achadjian Named Navasartian Honorary Presidents

VAN NUYS - After months of competitive athletic games between students, March 13, saw the close of the Homenetmen KAHAM Games at Birmingham High School, while hundreds of spectators were in attendance. Although the KAHAM Games came to its official close, at the same time, the opening ceremonies of Homenetmen's 41st Annual Navasartian Games were held. California State Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian and his wife, Araxi, were announced as this year's Honorary Presidents.

Masters of Ceremonies were Homenetmen's Taline Apanian and Moushegh Bedhoian, who first invited guests to observe a moment of silence in memory of the 1.5 million victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Welcoming remarks were delivered and the official guests were announced, including Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian representing Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Homenetmen Central Executive member Vicken Tavitian; ARF Central Committee member Garo Ispenjian; ARS Regional Executive Board member Nanik Kupelian; Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian School members Armine Papazian and Hasmig Baran; Honorary Presidents Katcho and Araxi Achadjian; previous honorary presidents of the Navasartian Games, including Sarkis and Susan Kitsinian and George Jamgotchian; as well as principals of participating Armenian schools, teachers, parents, supporters, and Homenetmen members. The flag ceremony was conducted by the Burbank `Sipan' Chapter scouts. The Homenetmen marching band then played the American, Armenian, and Homenetmen anthems.

Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian of the St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church conveyed Archbishop Mardirossian's blessings and invited attendees to join him in prayer. He commended the participants of the KAHAM Games, wishing them continued success.

Thereafter, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School Principal Arpi Avanesian delivered remarks on behalf of all principals of the schools that participated in this year's KAHAM Games. Stressing the importance of sports and athleticism, she extended thanks and appreciation to parents, who have entrusted their children to Armenian schools and organizations. In closing, she addressed her remarks to the student athletes, indicating that they are the future generation of school teachers, coaches, principals, leaders, and parents. While the youth will grow and mature into young adults attending college, she affirmed her confidence that they will return to Armenian schools and centers to continue the activities of the current generation. The Homenetmen Regional Executive's message was delivered by Board Member

Maro Kechichian, who extended particular thanks to the many coaches, who, with great care, oversee the teams participating in the Games, at the same time familiarizing the student athletes with Homenetmen. Kechichian explained that while the student athletes participated in weeks of games in various sports, the objective is to encourage the spirit of participation rather than winning or losing. In conclusion, she said, =80=9CMay these games strengthen within our students the will to remain Armenian and united, in an effort to strengthen ourselves and our people.' Following Kechichian's remarks, Homenetmen Regional Chairperson Manuel Marselian introduced the 41st Navasartian Games Honorary Presidents Katcho and Araxi Achadjian. He expressed appreciation that the couple, as former Homenetmen members, has returned to stand in solidarity with the organization and fulfill their responsibilities as honorary presidents. Marselian explained that Katcho Achadjian is a California State Assemblymember, who is also a candidate for the 24th Congressional District of California, and his wife, Araxi, has always stood in solid support of him and his career. Invited to deliver remarks, Assemblymember Achadjian expressed his pride to be part of such an undertaking and Mrs. Achadjian conveyed appreciation to schools, parents, and Homenetmen for organizing such athletic programs for the youth. After their message, Achadjian officially announced the opening of the 41st Annual Navasartian Games, which was followed by the presentation of the Navasartian Games' new logo. The march of the student athletes then began, led by their respective school principals. An athletic team of students attending public schools, sponsored by the Homenetmen Ararat Chapter, as well as the Ferrahian Varsity Girls basketball team, who are this year's CIF Division 5A Champions, also participated in the march. Each school's victories throughout various divisions were announced. Entertainment was then provided by singer Tigran Asatryan. The program concluded with schools receiving their trophies from Homenetmen Central Executive member Vicken Tavitian, Marselian, Honorary Presidents Mr. & Mrs. Achadjian, and school principals. Athletes proudly accepted their trophies in sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, chess, ping-pong, and track and field.

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