PHOTOS: The 'Prime Minister's Cup' Amateur Road Cycling Competition Held

The award ceremony took place for the "Prime Minister's Cup" amateur road cycling competition, which featured two age groups for both men and women.

The first age group included participants aged 18 to 40, while the second group encompassed those aged 41 and older. Participants who secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in both age groups were awarded certificates, trophies, and medals in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport. Additionally, competitors placing in the top ten in both age groups received cash prizes: 1st place received 1,000,000 AMD, 2nd place received 500,000 AMD, 3rd place received 300,000 AMD, 4th place received 100,000 AMD, and those finishing 5th to 10th received 50,000 AMD each.

The prizes were presented by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, and Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Karen Giloian. Prime Minister Pashinyan also awarded certificates of appreciation and motivational prizes to the oldest male and female participants.

Among the more than 300 participants was Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. During the event, Nikol Pashinyan delivered a speech, congratulating everyone on the occasion of Republic Day. He emphasized that the 'Prime Minister's Cup' is also a competition that highlights the connection between citizens and the state. He stated, "We want to create as many opportunities as possible for citizens of the Republic of Armenia to overcome themselves, to compete primarily against themselves, and to prove, as citizens and rightful owners of the state, our will to have a sovereign, free, strong, developed, prosperous, and happy state is unwavering. Our progress must demonstrate that every year."

Pashinyan expressed special thanks to all participants, saying that through such competitions, they emphasize the statehood, flag, citizenship, and the will to live and overcome. He also mentioned plans to expand the scale of the road cycling competition next year, allowing international participation, regardless of citizenship, at a venue around Lake Sevan. He indicated that if necessary, technical experts would provide guidance, and that the competition duration would likely extend to two days, with a corresponding increase in the prize fund.

Furthermore, Pashinyan noted, "Next year, we will ensure that all roads around Lake Sevan are in perfect condition, and we will not hesitate to invite foreigners to these roads. This year, we also plan to internationalize the swimming 'Prime Minister's Cup,' providing participation opportunities for everyone, especially in light of the many relocators living in Armenia who have expressed their desire to participate competitively."

He concluded, emphasizing the importance of the road cycling competition and extending his gratitude to the organizers from the Ministries of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, as well as the Ministry of Health, for their significant roles in promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing tourism potential through such events.