Ararad Sports Association

Ararad Sports Association is a Lebanese Armenian sports and cultural organization. Established in 1969, the club is considered a continuation of the Pagramian Sports Club (established in the 1940s).[1][2] Pagramian had been closed by the Lebanese government decree for its affiliation with the Lebanese Communist Party. Ararad Sports Association was set up to fill the void after nearly a decade of the closing of Pagramian.[3] Although the club has sympathizers from various circles, it is regarded as an association with left-wing leanings.

In 1976, at the height of the Lebanese Civil War, the extreme right-wing Phalangist Party (Kataeb) militia confiscated the locale of the association for its political leanings. That put a halt to the club's activities. The president of the association Simon Kazandjian was martyred along with a relative, Kevork Kazandjian.

With the establishment of more peaceful conditions in Lebanon, Ararad Sports Association regrouped in 1988 forming a new administrative committee. The club also launched its "Ararad Football Team" that played in Lebanese Football Association's 3rd division.

In 1996, the club restored its right to repossess its confiscated locale after negotiations with the Phalangist party leaders. The club also found support from Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri who also contributed funds allowing the club to purchase the locale. The opening ceremony event of the revamped club was also sponsored by Hariri himself.[3]

References

  1. ↑ yasoursport.org. من الذاكرة:ملعب البص
  2. ↑ Messerlian, Zaven. Armenian Participation in the Lebanese Legislative Elections 1934-2009. Beirut: Haigazian University Press, 2014. pp. 28, 138, 153-154
  3. 1 2 "About Us". Ararad Sports Association. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012.
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