AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH SPORTS MINISTER

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000081 ECA FOR SPORTS AMBASSADORS PROGRAM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPROG KPAO AM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH SPORTS MINISTER ¶1. Summary: On February 7, Ambassador Yovanovitch paid a courtesy call on the RA Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Armen Grigorian. The Minister noted that his office focuses on youth and sports development and he described activities in both spheres. Interest was expressed by both sides to consider opportunities for further collaboration. End Summary. ¶2. On February 7, Ambassador Yovanovitch paid a courtesy call on RA Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Armen Grigorian. The Minister explained that his office focuses on youth (up to age 35) and sports development. In the sports sphere, the Ministry promotes general physical fitness, healthy lifestyle education and competitive athletics. The Ministry cooperates with sports federations, most of which receive state financial support, and national sports committees. Grigorian noted that a priority for 2009 is to build relationships with NGOs. He said that Armenia is a sports-loving nation, the most popular sports in Armenia being judo, wrestling, boxing, basketball and fencing (the Minister is the head of the Armenian Fencing Federation). He expects medals at international championships this year in all of these sports, but not in soccer where, despite its popularity, there has been no progress. ¶3. The Minister asserted that President Sargsian has made sports a priority and has approved funding for renovations to various sports centers throughout the country. The Ambassador inquired about sports training in Armenia, and the Minister noted that Armenians train in special sports schools, which for Olympics-eligible sports, is free of charge. Regular Armenian schools also have physical education classes, which help to identify young sports talent. ¶4. In the field of youth activities, Grigorian highlighted yearly cultural events and seminars, both at the local and international level. There is an annual festival for Armenian Diaspora youth from over 20 countries. The Minister invited the Ambassador to attend the next festival. He noted that, previously, youth development was focused in Yerevan, but in 2008, the Ministry shifted its focus to regions and now there are state sponsored youth centers in 11 towns. ¶5. The Ambassador and Minister expressed an interest in future collaboration. The APAO discussed the Sports Envoy program, noting that athletes in various sports are chosen to serve as American "sports ambassadors" to conduct sports clinics and speak with youth. She stated that initiatives have included a wide range of sports. The Minister noted that the Ministry and the National Olympic Committee have invited coaches from abroad to share their experiences and give master classes. He stated that sports federations are very interested in international exchange and would like the opportunity to meet with U.S. sports representatives. The Ambassador agreed that exchanges are beneficial and recommended that any future initiatives be developed keeping the usefulness and areas of interest of Armenia's youths in mind. The PAS will follow up on sports diplomacy possibilities with ECA. Yovanovitch