21.07.2018


On July 20, the solemn ceremony to launch celebrations dedicated to the centennial of the Homenetmen-Armenian General Athletic Union Scouts was held in Tsitsernakaberd, Armenian Genocide Memorial.

On this occasion, the exhibition titled “Armenian Sport and Athletics in the Ottoman Empire” was reopened at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

The historical event was attended by Garnik Mkrtichyan, a Homenetmen Central Board Chairman, Dr. Narine Margaryan, an Acting Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, Dr. Hayk Demoyan, high-ranking guests, former and new Homenetmen members.

First, the ceremony of raising the flag of the Armenian General Athletic Union took place accompanied by the Homenetmen Orchestra. This was followed by the speeches of Dr. Hayk Demoyan and Garnik Mkrtichyan.

The attendants also took part in the tree planting ceremony in the Memory Alley of Tsitsernakaberd, and the soil brought from Antelias, Constantinople, Paris and Mount Ararat was mixed with the soil of the Alley. A silver fir was planted in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide victims on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Homenetmen.

Afterwards, the participants visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial and paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. Torches burnt in Antelias, Constantinople, Paris and Mount Ararat joined the eternal fire of the memorial.

The celebration of the 100th anniversary of Homenetmen was summed up at the Armenian Genocide Museum, where the temporary exhibition titled “Armenian Sport and the Athletics in the Ottoman Empire” was reopened. Acting Director of the AGMI Narine Margaryan made an opening speech:

“The role of Homenetmen in preserving the Armenian identity is great. Homenetmen has contributed to the physical well-being of our new generation and the acquisition of national and moral values. Homenetmen is also a bridge for the strengthening and development Armenia-Diaspora ties. The AGMI gives special attention to the study and coverage of the pre-Armenian Genocide life. Armenian Athletics is one of the most important aspects of that life, as the Armenians have been the founders of the sport’s life in the Ottoman Empire”.

A souvenir and an album dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Homenetmen were gifted to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

Then the audience was introduced to the temporary exhibition, Hayk Demoyan presented the history of exhibits and posters in detail.