VAN NUYS–California–More than 10,000 community members flocked to the Birmingham High School field Tuesday for the closing ceremonies of the 31st annual Homenetmen Navasartian Games–which culminated in a parade of athletes and scouts and an impressive display of fireworks.
The athletic field and the entire high school was filled with Homenetmen members–supporters and community members who chose to mark the July 4 holiday at what has become a California-Armenian community tradition.
The program began with announcers Nora Tchaparian (Armenian) and Patyl Kasparian (English) officially declaring the commencement of the parade and the closing ceremonies. The Homenetmen Regional Scouting Council members escorted the procession of honored guests led by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian–31st Navasartian honorary chairs Mr.& Mrs. Hovsep and Elizabeth Boyadjian–"Exemplary Homenetmen Member" Samuel Megerdichian and Homenetmen Regional Executive chairman Raffi Ispendjian.
Among the guests attending the ceremonies were Armenia’s Deputy Consul General Arthur Madoyan–Homenetmen Central Committee member Mheir Davtian and Manuel Marcellian–Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western Region Central Committee member Hagop Tufenkian–Glendale School Board member Greg Krikorian–Burbank School Board member and the Democratic nominee for the 43rd Assembly district Paul Krekorian–as well as representatives of community organizations.
Complete coverage of the 31st Navasartian Games will be featured in the Weekend Edition of Asbarez.