President holds consultation in Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited today Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, according to the presidential press service.

He familiarized himself with the activities, problems and further plans of the ministry departments and spoke to employees. Then the president held a consultation with senior officials of the ministry.

Minister Yuri Vardanian informed the president about the work done by the ministry in 2013, sport achievements, and the plans and main directions of activities this year. Deputy ministers also gave reports about the situation in the spheres coordinated by them and the existing problems.

Following a discussion of the reports, President Sargsyan gave instructions to officials and answered the questions of consultation participants.

In his speech, the president addressed the tasks of the ministry, stressing that promotion of sports, physical culture and healthy lifestyles, and attention to youth problems are among the state’s priorities.

The president said that the sports ministry is headed by a living legend, a man who can be an ideal and hero for thousands of children.

“Using the legendary image of Yuri Vardanian should be your priority task. If you fail to prepare five documents, I will not consider it an omission, but if you overlook youths or kids who can follow in Yuri Vardanian’s footsteps, it will be a serious blunder. We should be active,” the president said.

Reminding those present, that he has for many years led the Chess Federation of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan urged the ministry officials to efficiently use the existing potential, not to war with other federations or try to impose something on them, but to assist them and try to use their opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a number of ministry employees received awards for their efficient and conscientious work.