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YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS:
The leadership of Armenia is paying great attention to the development of sport and particularly mass sport in Armenia. During this year big events are planned. Armenpress news agency spoke with deputy sport and youth affairs minister Khachik Asryan about them.
- Mr Asryan, the mass sport solves 2 important issues – ensures healthy lifestyle and at the same time is the basis of national sport. What is being done to develop the mass sport in Armenia?
- First of all I want to note that the mass sport in Armenia is under direct spotlight of President Serzh Sargsyan and on behalf of the government under the spotlight of the Sport and Youth Affairs Ministry. The leadership of the country understands very well the role of the mass sport in the public and does not spare an effort for its development.
In Armenia, especially during the recent years the conduction of mass sport events has become a kind tradition. The events are being conducted in the territory of Armenia and Artsakh. The Sport and Youth Affairs Ministry headed by minister Arthur Poghosyan is actively working toward development of mass sport. Only in 2011 the ministry will carry out 10 big competitions, of which I would like to single out five.
- Please enumerate them in turn.
- May 13 the "Sport Festival" has already launched in the 48 towns of Armenia (except in Yerevan) and in Stepanakert. It will last until September 22. The goal of the event is to encourage the development of mass sport in two Armenian states. I would like to particularly note that the Armenian Sport and Youth Affairs Ministry is actively cooperating with the Nagorno Karabakh government-affiliated State Sport Committee.
I am sure the real symbol directed toward development of the mass sport and healthy lifestyle in Armenia is the RA President's "Best Athletic Family" competition which clearly expresses the attitude of state toward the development of mass sport.
June 1 2011 it will be conducted for the 8th time. I would like to particularly note that if in 2004 54 families participated in the event, in 2005 their number reached 80, in 2006 86, in 2007 106, in 2008 126, in 2009 171, in 2010 374, this year their number is expected to reach 1224.
The money fund for the 2011 makes 69 million AMD of which the 55 million is intended for money awards.
Families from Yerevan, 48 Armenian towns and 8 administrative regions of Artsakh will participate in the event.
I also highlight the organization of "RA Prime Minister's Cup" football cup tournament which is being conducted for already the 3d time. Teams from different RA ministries and department are participating in it.