On 17th February the President of the World Rafting Federation Danilo Barmaz met the deputy president of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Grigoryan, in presence of the President of Armenian National Rafting Federation, Mr. Sedrak Zakaryan, the executive director of Armenian National Rafting federation, Mr. Karen Mkrtchyan, and the president of the rafting club "Noy", Mr. Vazgen Khachikyan. In the town of Alaverdi, in the northeastern part of Alaverdi the rafting development opportunities were discussed, including the opening of a new rafting center on the shores of Debed river canyon 1000 meters above sea level, surrounded by high mountains and green forests. The local authorities really appreciated our movement and the mayor of Alaverdi, Mr. Sasun Khechumyan, is considering the foundation of a rafting school there, in the future.
The good river level, surrounded by churches and historical buildings, led Mr Barmaz to a discussion about organising international competitions on Debed. 
In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, the WRF President, the Armenian Federation President Sedrak Zakaryan and the members of the board Vazgen Khachikyan and Suren Danielyan visited the Armenian University of Physical Culture and Sport, welcomed by the Rector, Mr. David Khitaryan, the Vice-rector, Mr. Gagik Sargsyan, who also represented the Armenian Ski Federation.
The recently opened “Sport Tourism” speciality of the University started considering the possibility to include our sport, including lectures and seminars, and the opportunity to teach rafting to rescuers, that would be a mutually beneficial offer.
“I am very thankful for the warm hospitality everyone I met in Armenia offered me and I am amazed by the enormous potential of this beautiful country”.
Photo courtesy of © SPUTNIK / ARAM NERSESYAN
