Pan-European Games

London

 

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Homenetmen London

 

3rd - 4th July 2004

 

On the morning of Friday 2^nd July 2004 the Londoners waited in anticipation for the arrival of the men’s football and basketball teams in the exquisite lobby of the four star Marriott Hotel to set off the weekend of the Homenetmen London Pan-European Games. After many pots of tea, the first sight of a team appeared strolling through the lobby’s glass doors; the German’s had arrived. Within a few minutes everyone was shaking hands and welcoming the team to London. After settling in, everyone went about their own thing, half went sight-seeing but due to typical English weather their time was cut short. Meanwhile back at the hotel Sasun from Lugano arrived just in time for the trip to Windsor. Our newly appointed London tour guides tried their best to make the teams feel welcome as they made their way to riverside bars and restaurants. The teams enjoyed the sights and took many memorable photos next to the castle. While these teams acquainted themselves with one another the two remaining- Homenetmen France and AJAB Belgium made their arrivals at the hotel completing the combination of the five European teams that would participate in the tournament along with Homenetmen London.

 

Saturday morning began with a continental buffet breakfast at the hotel followed by a twenty minute coach ride at 9am to Brunel University-Osterley Campus where the games were to take place. Tension was building as players and supporters alike prepared to face their competition. Homenetmen France’s basketball team were keen to defend their title after the Souren Mouradian games in Paris only a month prior where there had been strong competition from Germany. However with more players and experience and as Homenetmen London had the support of the home crowd, there was to be fierce competition and everything to play for.

 

Both basketball and football matches began at 10.30am. The basketball matches were of a full 40-minute duration in accordance with FIBA regulations and 5-a-side football matches were of 8 minute halves. London’s two football teams were looking to kick-off the weekend of matches and set the standard after their disappointing and unfortunate performance in Amsterdam in April where a spell of bad luck and near misses had crippled their chances. After many fast-paced and aggressive matches it seemed both London teams were running high on confidence. The A team managed to win all three matches against AJAB Belgium, FC Sasun and Homenetmen France resulting in first position with London B winning, loosing and drawing its way into fourth position.

 

At the thirteenth hour Homenetmen London’s scouts arrived with seventy "antams" to offer their support which added a great sense of excitement and enthusiasm.

 

 

By 4.30pm the first day of matches was complete and everyone returned to the hotel in time for the Dinner and Dance. An evening which was meticulously planned by a 3 strong member sub-committee. The doors opened at 8pm for the players, supporters and guests young and old to mingle with their newly acquainted Armenian counterparts. Mark and his live five piece band Fantasia accommodated for all with their lively, upbeat performance in Armenian, Iranian, Greek and Arabic resulting in even the London guys making their way to the dance floor at some point. As could be expected the evening ended with the French and Germans on table top singing many an Armenian song which continued into the early hours in the hotel’s bar and then in numerous hotel rooms.

 

Many were surprised to see the teams awake bright and early on Sunday morning to depart for the final day of matches. England and France set in motion the basketball matches and despite close relationships between the teams off the court, this did not translate on the court. Homenetmen London’s pride was at stake and a valiant effort was made. A few minor changes to the team meant a much closer score line however London lost both their matches. 2pm was the final between Germany and France. France had won the previous day so competition was fierce. No one could tell the German team rarely unite for practice as they are scattered between different regions of Germany and they only come together for such tournaments as this, their teamwork and perseverance paid off and the high scoring match finished 83-73 to Germany. Nevertheless, based on point difference, Homenetmen France was able to defend its long-lasting European title.

 

An all London semi-final kicked off the football matches with both Homenetmen A and B teams surprisingly full of energy and enthusiasm. The second semi-final between Lugano and France was equally as tense. Outdoors the weather held out for Homenetmen’s annual Garden Party and BBQ really setting the standard for how Armenian tournaments should be - based around food! After a few too many burgers, games and Krispy Kreme’s everyone prepared themselves for the football final between FC Sasun from Lugano and Homenetmen London’s A team – winners of the semi-finals earlier in the day. Support was high as was the pressure. If the first days match was anything to go by London A should have had no problem defending the 5-2 score line however the team had seemed to up their pace. Two early goals meant the home team were playing catch up but great teamwork paid off with a superb goal by the London B team. A saved penalty by the young Swiss goalkeeper kept the team ahead and despite the great cooperation and effort by the London guys the final score was 4-2.

 

A quick tidy up and preparation was in order for the closing ceremony at 4pm. Eight scouts "Gaylik Artsevik’s" led the teams to the gym where the trophies were to be awarded. A few meaningful, touching words spoken by Alenoosh Grigorian, member of the Homenetmen London Executive Committee and mementos given and received really commemorated the day and made worthwhile all the efforts made by the Pan-European Games organisation committee and "Marzagan Khoroort". "Mer Hayrenik" closed the weekend of games with the "dap oo zoornah" adding to the atmosphere where all teams joined together and danced  "shoorchbar" together as one "miyootyoon". Singing and dancing continued on the coach and back at the hotel where many gathered to watch the UEFA Euro 2004 Final on the big screen. As the majority of men watched the match and the women got ready for the evening, the mood was unforgettable. The Homenetmen Youth Events Committee "H.Y.E." had done an amazing job in transforming the hall into a venue ideal for the last night of celebrations. H.Y.E.’s resident DJ Josey Kray and DJ Devil together were an exceptional combination and the surprise belly dancer and Middle Eastern theme added to the already electric, exhilarating atmosphere.

 

Trophies were used as champagne glasses and toasts made to old friends and new and the evening continued with much more mingling and socialising. As many supporters were themselves staying at the grand Marriott hotel and had cleverly taken leave the following day, the hours flew by again in the hotel’s bar and several rooms. Few teams had early departures and so socialised until the early hours and departed directly. Check-out was before 12pm Monday and the remaining teams departed in their separate ways.

 

The weekend was one of fond memories; the friends we made will help us reminisce of a truly unforgettable, joyous event that will remain with us for years to come. The heightened anticipation and eagerness paid off with Homenetmen London setting a high standard and showing the rest of Europe how it really should be done.

 

Overall Results:

 

The Teams:

 

Men’s Basketball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen London and K.M.E.M. Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen France and

K.M.E.M. Germany

 

 

 

 

Men’s Football

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen London and Homenetmen France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FC Sasun, Lugano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen

London A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homenetmen

London B

 

 

Written by:  Melanie Jacob

 

Photographs by:  Vahe Saboonchian

 

 

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Special thanks to the official sponsors of the Pan-European Games: