An Example of A True Knight of Vartan

On April 18, 2019 the First Deputy Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Gabriel Ghazaryan awarded Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan of Mamigonian Lodge with the Gold Medal of the Ministry for his ongoing investments in Physical Culture and Sports in homeland.
For number of years Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan made immense investments in borderline villages, creating and supporting sport and cultural centers, supporting schools and training centers. In 2015 the groundbreaking work for the Knights of Vartan “Sport and Cultural Center” was launched. In two years with over $250,000 support of Sahakyan family, and Ghukasyan family immediate organizational work was built a sports and recreation center for the children and their families in nearby Veryn Karmiraghbyur village, Tavush marz. This center operates free of charge and serves 17 villages in Tavush region for over 22,500 population.

Creating such centers in borderline villages derives from a strong strategy to encourage the families to remain in their home towns, raise healthy, happy and educated generation in these rural villages, and create new jobs. The Center was completed in September 2016 and dedicated with the visit from the Knights of Vartan delegation from the USA. The complex includes a gymnasium, two soccer fields, a swimming pool, a playground, an open air stage and state of the art utilities and fixtures. Currently the center has 4 different soccer groups and total 86 children attend to these groups on weekly bases. The center already employs 7 coaches and this number will grow with new groups and opening of upcoming operation of swimming pool from June 1^st. The center has more plans coming up in the near future.

Another big project that Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan was involved this year is the Armath Engineering Laboratories for public schools.

At Armath Engineering Laboratories kids aged 10-17 are introduced to science, technology, engineering, and math education through interactive after-school classes, exciting competitions, innovative camps and more. Our young engineers are given the opportunity to design, build, test, and improve their own creations in a safe and fun environment, while making new friends and creating startups.

With North East Knights of Vartan lodges and District Representative Jacob Bournazian they donated for such a laboratory in borderline Aygepar school, Tavush region. The second Armath laboratory was donated by Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan for the #102 school in Yerevan.

April 17, 2019 was the opening day of the second ARMATH Engineering Laboratory with the help of Knights of Vartan in Yerevan. The donor of the project Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan of Mamigonian lodge visited Yerevan and joined the opening of the event. Director of Armath, teachers from the school, representatives from the municipality and Ministry of Education and Science joined the opening as well. And of course any festivity is greeted with dance and song performed by children. More than 35 kids from the start will join the classes 2-3 times per week.

Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan also financially supported an After School Program in the borderline village of Aygepar, Tavush region. Last year new kitchen furniture, a stove, a refrigerator, canteen tables and chairs were purchased for the school. Since September 1, 2018 this After School Program has been operating with 15 pupils from 2nd thru 4th grades. Many of the parents of these pupils are employed therefore it is very beneficial for them to have their children prepare homework with professional guidance. In addition, the children receive complimentary hot nutritious meals in the program.

Continuing his philanthropic projects, Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan initiated Essay Contests at the Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences. Since 2016 he has granted awards ranging from $100 to $500 to 26 students as the result of two different Essay Contests. The theme of the Essay that was established in 2018 has been the Armenian Genocide. The winning essay on the Armenian Genocide is read at the NYC Time Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration event held in April which is organized by the Knights of Vartan.

The Knights of Vartan expresses congratulations and deep gratitude to Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan, the very essence of Asbedootyun, which helps to sustain the Armenian people through service and sacrifice at the start of the 2nd Century of the Knights of Vartan.