ARMENIA: “PARTICIPATING IS THE FIRST STEP”
ScubaWeb, Italy
April 26 2006
This is the first participation in the French Olympique Week for
Armenia. The youngest “ISAF” nation, Armenia was affiliated in 1995.
In Hyères 3 boats are representing this new independent country
(independence in 1991): two Lasers and a 470 Men helmed by Michel
Zakarian, Olympic Sailing Team Manager and technical director. French
from Armenian origins, Zakarian is sailing since 1974. Since 1999 he
has set his goal on developing sailing in Armenia. “The affiliation
at ISAF was a first step. The Armenian President gave 2000 sq m of
land on the shore of Lake Cevan to build the Sailing centre. We have
2 main objectives, developing a sailing team who can represent Armenia
at International competitions and also to develop sailing as a sport in
Armenia. There are only 3 main Olympic sports: Wrestling, Weightlifting
and Boxing. Lots of work needs to be done and can not be achieved
without international help. We need to find a partner to build our
centre, find second hand equipment…There is still a lot to achieve
but for us the important step is to be there and to participate.”
–Boundary_(ID_NOW78GPLX2VKj4VSIehh Hg)–