Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09YEREVAN81
2009-02-11 11:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Yerevan
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH SPORTS MINISTER

Tags:  KPROG KPAO AM 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 111116Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY YEREVAN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8623
UNCLAS YEREVAN 000081 


ECA FOR SPORTS AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPROG KPAO AM
SUBJECT: 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