The central committee of the "Antranig" Youth Association held a cultural, scouting, and sports celebration organized by its cultural and environmental committee at the Antranig football field located in the Nakkash area, coinciding with the 92nd anniversary of the association's founding. The event attracted spiritual, political, military, cultural, environmental, municipal, social, educational, and sports youth leaders and figures, led by Minister of Industry George Boujkian, alongside former ministers, current and former members of parliament, as well as members of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) regional committee and many friends and guests of the association.
The celebration commenced with performances by the association's theatrical troupe (Vahram Babazian), the folk dance group (Arin), and various scouting and sports academies in football, basketball, taekwondo, table tennis, gymnastics, chess, and tennis, accompanied by the Internal Security Forces Orchestra, led by Colonel Antoine Tamma, and the musical band of the Antranig Scouts. Araksi Kbenlian and Sevag Hajkian introduced the participants in the show.
After the two bands played the Lebanese national anthem, the Armenian Republic anthem, and the anthems of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Antranig Youth Association, the Secretary of the Antranig Youth, Hakob Chaghlyan, delivered a speech in Arabic, which was translated into Armenian by the association's president, Viken Gergian. They welcomed the attendees and discussed the role of the association and its journey since inception across various fields, aiming to empower generations, enhance their capabilities, and activate their positions, "through integrated and cooperative service for the betterment and excellence, with renewed energies always ready to answer the call for duty, prioritizing the interests of the homeland and its citizens."
Chaghlyan and Gergian emphasized that "the Antranig Youth Association, from its national and cultural sensibilities, has never hesitated to work both domestically and abroad for the benefit of Lebanon and the Armenian people." They expressed gratitude to the Internal Security Forces music band, the oldest military orchestra in the Arab world, considering its participation in this celebration "a distinguished contribution that enriches our evening with its patriotic and enthusiastic melodies." They also acknowledged the role of central committee members of the Antranig Youth and the 300 volunteers within 34 committees in various specializations and tasks, dedicating their time, effort, and resources "to keep the flame burning and inspiring."
In conclusion, they expressed the pride of the Antranig Youth in their solid affiliation with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, "the esteemed and historic nurturing body that spares no effort in care and support, especially the assistance provided by its regional committee led by Gerard Tefengkian."
Before the artistic program began, Colonel Tamma received an appreciation plaque from Gergian and Shahe Bartmian, the Secretary of the cultural and environmental committee. The Internal Security Forces and Antranig Scouts then performed folk and national songs from Lebanon and Armenia, engaging the audience until late into the evening, who waved Lebanese flags in response to the song "Long Live the Soldiers of Lebanon." Artists participating in the singing included: Jo and Maya Azar, Joni Kochikyan, Anayis Kdikian, Haykana Muradyan, and Ovadis Akrabian.
