After a year's break from competition, the ladies' basketball team returned to Geneva in Easter to participate in their fourth European Armenian Games organised by U.A.S. (Union Arménienne de Suisse).
This year saw its biggest turnout ever and in total there were over 600 participants from all over including LA and the Middle East with approximately 200 visitors to add.
That said, the ladies team were even more focused on winning as they had a more global audience and were ready to protect their title as European Champions.
Although they faced their usual competitors; Nice, Geneva and Paris, the team did not look upon them with complacency, as after such a long period away from the game, the girls were anxious that things could take an unexpected turn...
The first game of the tournament, much like all of their first games, proved the most challenging. It was a very slow and painful start to the game and many feared defeat - the unthinkable! However the girls picked up the pace and won. The following games were also victorious and they went back to the hotel to face the final against Nice the next morning.
After a good night partying in true London style, though of course in bed by 11:30pm (rules as set by school master Sevan), the girls were in surprisingly good shape for the final.
This game would be the last game with Sevan Artin as their coach and therefore the team wanted to make it the best game they'd played and moreover win the tournament.
After a great performance displaying some both new and ripened talent from the team, Homenetmen London sealed their victory for the fourth year running and held the cup high with pride, revelling in their achievement.
As we all know, London is where the party's at and we did just that. With it being Sevan's last tournament with us, our fourth successful tournament in a row and having seen a splendid performance from the boys' football team, there was most a definitely cause for merriment. In fact I think we were the last to leave rounding off a superb weekend.
On a personal note, I truly feel proud to be a member of Homenetmen London, as for such a small chapter, we definitely make some noise! Out of all of the countries represented there and at other international games and events, the UK is always noted for their good nature, sportsmanship and party spirit, spreading the good word about Homenetmen London and British Armenians to Armenian Communities around the world.
Furthermore I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the team; our latest recruits, Jennifer Zipci, Lorig Alexandrian and Lisa Jerejian, and our veterans Anoushka Sarkisian, Laurence Manessian, Aliac Jojaghaian and Phaedra Vassiliou for their participation time, effort and hard work they've contributed towards achieving another cup for the Homenetmen London's legacy.
Lastly to Sevan Artin without whom we would not have become Champions. We were hard work and difficult at times but your passion for the game and drive for success were the keys to ours. Our gratitude is endless and our Thursday evenings wont be the same without you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Our gratitude also goes to everyone who has made our participation and success in the European Games in these last four years possible.
Thank you.
Source:- Ruth Tchaparian
The senior football team participated in the 7th UAS European Armenian Games in April. The team played extremely well and just missed out on a semi-final place having won their group.
They kicked off the tournament with a 3-1 win over Istanbul, in which Arameh Mehrabi scored his first senior goals in a foreign tournament. Game two saw the team go 1-0 up thanks to a fantastic individual effort from Edwin Tellme, but concede a goal in the dying seconds to draw 1-1 with Lyon, and they beat Zurich 2-1 in the final group game thanks to a Narbeh Assadoorian assault on goal.
Having topped the group the boys were drawn against Stuttgart in the second round. After a 1-1 draw at full time, the game went to penalties with Vladimir Oganezov being the hero of the day with a string of penalty saves. The team were drawn against Amsterdam 1 in the quarter-finals and unfortunately bowed out of the tournament after a battling performance. Amsterdam 1 went on to beat Homenetmen Paris in the final.
Source:- John Banian
