“We’ve gathered in Artsakh to feel the power of unity” – Pashinyan opens 2019 Pan-Armenian Games

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the August 6 grand opening of the 7th Pan-Armenian Summer Games in the Stepan Shahumyan Republican Stadium in Stepanakert, Artsakh.

After the concert and march of athletes, the Armenian PM delivered an address:

“Worthy descendants of Hayk Nahapet, proud children of the Armenian nation, I greet you all. Honorable President of the Republic of Artsakh, honorable Presidents of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Artsakh, honorable members of the Pan-Armenian Games World Committee, statesmen of the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Artsakh, dear countrymen of Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora, today is a celebration in our homeland, because thousands of children of our nation from Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South Americas have gathered in the citadel of Armenian dignity – Artsakh, and we are enjoying the joy of being united, being together. And why does being together give such a joy to us? Because the same blood is flowing in our veins, the blood of Hayk Nahapet is flowing in our veins, the blood of King Artashes is flowing in our veins, the blood of Mesrop Mashtots and Grigor Narekatsi is flowing in our veins.

And we have gathered in Artsakh to enjoy and feel the power of unity, to understand that we are undefeatable when we stand together. We’ve gathered to record that we have a history, that we have identity, that we have statehood and will to continue the millennium-old triumphant march of our nation for new millennia. Today we’ve gathered to elevate our powerful and unbending will, our will of victory, our will to live, create and develop our statehood. Today, thousands of representatives of the 7th Pan-Armenian Games will foster, empower and develop our nation’s will and skills of winning. Therefore, I am wishing victory in fair competition to all participants of the Pan-Armenian Games. Therefore, I declare the 7th Pan-Armenian Games opened,” the Armenian PM said.

Artsakh’s President Bako Sahakyan and Pan-Armenian Games World Committee President Ishkhan Zakaryan also delivered remarks.

Armenia and Artsakh are co-hosting the 7th Pan-Armenian Games. Artsakh is hosting the grand opening and the first 3 days of the tournaments. The remaining events will take place in Yerevan until August 17th.

The number of delegates reaches 5300. Representatives of 161 cities from 35 countries are taking part.