[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1793-E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO VAROUJAN BALOTIAN, TAMAR KATAROYAN, AND MANO HANDIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three 
outstanding individuals from the Armenian General Athletic Union. These 
individuals exemplify leadership in their organization that has earned 
them the Homenetmen Member of the Year Award, Athlete of the Year 
Award, and Scout of the Year Award.
  The Armenian General Athletic Union serves the sporting needs of 
Fresno's Armenian community with competitive tournaments that emphasize 
fraternity and shared accomplishment. Fresno's chapter has nine 
competitive teams that participate in events statewide, as well as a 
Boy Scout Troop.
  This year's recipient of the Homenetmen Member of the Year was 
Varoujan Balotian. Balotian is one of the founding members of the 
Fresno chapter and is also one of the first members of the central 
executive committee. Balotian's guidance and dedication has shaped the 
Armenian General Athletic Union into the fine organization that it is 
today. However, Balotian's success is not limited to the union, as he 
is a long-time manager at one of Fresno's finest mens stores.
  Athlete of the Year was awarded to 18-year-old Tamar Kataroyan. This 
award is presented to only one athlete from a random selection between 
the 16 chapters in the western region. Kataroyan has been involved in 
all aspects of the organization including the coaching of youth and 
participation in tournaments.

[[Page E1794]]

Kataroyan's excellence in basketball has taken her all the way to the 
5th Annual World Olympics in New York and has also secured her a full 
basketball scholarship at UC Irvine.
  Mano Handian was recognized as Scout of the Year. He is a scout for 
the Union's own Troop No. 12. He has accomplished a great deal for 
himself and the Armenian General Athletic Union. He was born in Lebanon 
and currently attends Fresno City College. His fine leadership over the 
organization's Boy Scouts, Explorers, and Cub Scouts has earned him 
this high honor.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate these three 
individuals. I commend Varoujan Balotian, Tamar Kataroyan, and Mano 
Handian on their accomplishments in the Armenian General Athletic Union 
and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them.

                          ____________________