Torch of 5th Pan-Armenian games lit at Gandzasar’s Cathedral of St John the Baptist

PanARMENIAN.Net - On August 2, President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan partook in the solemn ceremony of lighting the torch of the 5th Pan-Armenian games at the Gandzasar’s Cathedral of St John the Baptist and delivered a welcoming address.

“During the last 20 years Artsakh has become the symbol of consolidation of the world-spread Armenians. Such events also depict the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora solid and inflexible trinity. We highlight the role of the Pan-Armenian games from the very viewpoint of continuous strengthening of this trinity. These games are not only a pure sense competition, but also another expression of our national solidarity and unity. The victorious spirit must always be strong in every Armenian and accompany us on our unbroken way,” Sahakyan said.

Head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan, Chairman of the Pan-Armenian Games’ international committee Ishkhan Zakharyan, numerous guests from Armenia and Diaspora were present at the ceremony.

The 5th Pan-Armenian games are due on August 13-21. The applications are still being accepted and the final number of participants will be announced the day before the games. About 100 Artsakh sportsmen are expected to partake in the games.