Sevan to host amateur cycling tournament

YEREVAN, August 27. /ARKA/. The Armenian government decided today that the winners of an amateur road cycling tournament, scheduled for September 19, will be given one million drams (a little more than $2000).

According to the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan, the participants will have to cycle 40 kilometers on a section of the road in Shorzha peninsula in Gegharkunik region.

"The purpose of the event is to popularize cycling and a healthy lifestyle, promote physical culture and sports and cycling as a means of containing environmental pollution," he said.

The minister noted that the tournament will be organized for two age categories of men and women. According to him, in each of the two age groups the participants who will take the first 20 places will receive cash prizes, the total amount of which is 14.9 million drams. Thus, the total expenses for the event will amount to about 25.7 million drams.

"There will be 80 winners altogether: first place winners will receive 1 million drams, 2nd place - 600,000 drams, 3rd place winners - 400,000 drams," he said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the intention is to hold 4 such annual tournaments- cycling, running, table tennis and swimming ($ 1 - 493.06 drams). -0-