YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. On June 8, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund held a groundbreaking ceremony for the future sports complex of Ditavan, a village in Armenia’s Tavush province. Guests attending the event included the sponsor of the construction project, Argentinean-Armenian benefactor Nadya Ekserciyan, as well as her daughter.

The planned sports facility having a total area of 504 square meters, will be used for a wide range of physical exercises and matches. The structure will also feature classrooms for preschoolers, and an underground bomb shelter where the residents of Ditavan, which is located near the border with Azerbaijan, will be able to take cover in case of an emergency.

“Ditavan is burgeoning in front of our very eyes,” said Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, and continued, “With its recently built infrastructures and community institutions, this village stands apart as among the best in not only the Tavush province, but Armenia as a whole. For this achievement, the support of the Ekserciyan family has been invaluable. Today, we are delighted that Mrs. Nadya continues the benevolent work of her late husband, Armen Ekserciyan, by providing ongoing support for the steady growth of Ditavan.”

Through the Ekserciyan family’s contributions totaling nearly $1.5 million, since 2007 the fund has implemented a string of development projects in Ditavan, which has a population of 412. They include natural-gas and water networks, as well as a school and a multifunctional community center. In addition, the Ekserciyans provide social assistance to Ditavan’s newly-wed couples and families with newborns, and contribute to agricultural-development projects carried out in the village.

In recognition of the Ekserciyans’ far-reaching support, Ditavan has named its school, main street, and square after the benefactors, who have also been made Honorary Citizens of the village.