Akvatek Provides Clarification

The management of Akvatek has denied allegations that they prohibited children with disabilities from entering their facility, claiming that such children would disturb the tranquility of others.

In an interview with NEWS.am Medicine, Ashkhen Matevosyan, the head of Valencia LLC (which includes Akvatek and Waterworld), shared their version of the events.

It was noted that yesterday, Facebook user Hasmik Soghomonyan reported that her grandchild with disabilities, along with seven other children, were denied entry to Akvatek, being told that their wheelchairs could disturb other visitors.

“Yesterday, two young men and one teenager approached us, accompanied by eight children with disabilities and their guardians—16 people in total. However, among them were children who required attention themselves. The manager of Akvatek talked to them, explained our conditions and the limitations of the swimming area. After a long conversation, the young man refused, understanding that the space was small and that many inconveniences would arise for the children. I can say unequivocally that the phrase ‘You will disturb the tranquility of others’ was never used. It was just stated that it might create discomfort for your children in such a crowded environment. Children tend to push each other, play with balls in the water, which can be dangerous,” noted Ashkhen Matevosyan.

According to Matevosyan, one of the organizers, Armen, also realized during the conversation that it wouldn’t be advisable for the children to be in that environment. The management then suggested an alternative option—going to Waterworld, where conditions would be more suitable for children. They agreed and went to negotiate, but after the arrangements, they did not return.

“Armen is doing a great humanitarian work, but he should have initially said—don’t complain, I said the children should not stay here. I do not deny that these children are indeed neglected, and they used this issue to publicize themselves against the backdrop of Waterworld. They needed the noise. Waterworld accepts and continues to accept children with various disabilities,” stated Matevosyan.

He added that Hasmik Soghomonyan, who raised the alarm today, met with them. He also mentioned that there was no preliminary arrangement with the group’s organizers; there was just one call asking whether children with disabilities were accepted or not, but no clear information was provided, and no booking was made.

“She stated that such a thing should not have been done, and Armen also apologized,” he said, confirming that the center always accepts children with disabilities and serves them free of charge.

Hasmik Soghomonyan declined to provide any clarification to the media, stating that her issue had been resolved after meeting with the Valencia management.

It should be noted that the Human Rights Defender’s Office and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are also investigating the matter.