Location of the Opening Ceremony for the 8th Pan-Armenian Games Revealed

The official opening of the 8th Pan-Armenian Summer Games, set to take place from August 5 to 19, will be held at the Gyumri City Stadium. Competitions for certain sports included in the Games program are also planned to be conducted in Shirak.

Vachagan Vardanyan, the head of the Culture and Sports Department of the Shirak Regional Administration, told Sputnik Armenia that the organizers have already visited the sports venues to assess their condition and the existence of necessary facilities.

It is planned to host some competitions across 12 sports facilities in Shirak. Events will also take place at the “Black Fortress” complex and the Gyumri Football Academy.

“There is already information about the current renovations that will be carried out at each facility. The committee is inclined to hold events in the regions, and the heaviest burden of the events will fall on Shirak,” noted Vardanyan.

Regarding the official opening ceremony, the official informed that the stadium has a seating capacity of 4,200. “But that is not enough; approximately the same number of seats will be ensured around various parts of the stadium. There will be a grand show that will conclude with fireworks. Preparatory work for the opening will begin in mid-June,” he added.

According to Vardanyan, the city’s hotel infrastructure is currently inadequate to accommodate the anticipated guests. Efforts will be made to resolve this issue with local authorities by utilizing facilities that can quickly be converted into lodging.

“Our task is to honorably rise to the occasion. There will be 5,000 to 8,000 people, and it is important for us that the guests of the city return with a great impression,” he said.

In addition to good preparation, Vachagan Vardanyan hopes that by maintaining strong sports traditions and considering the outcomes of previous Pan-Armenian Games, Shirak will also achieve excellent results during the Games, finishing in the top three in team standings.

Under the slogan “Unity through Sports,” the 8th Pan-Armenian Summer Games are currently expected to award 107 medal sets across 17 sports. However, there is a proposal to increase the number of sports, including Armenian Greco-Roman wrestling and women's football (both large and mini).