Table of Contents
- 1 Official delegation
- 2 CHAMPIONNAT RINCK
- 3 Informal exchanges
- 4 Home in Villeurbanne
- 5 Villeurbanne delegation to the Abovyan autumn tournament
- 6 How does the participation of a delegation from Villeurbanne in a chess tournament in Abovyan exemplify strengthening diplomatic ties through cultural exchange?
Our delegation’s trip is part of twinning arrangements between French and Armenian cities. Our delegation of 7 people, accompanied by the Indian delegation of Nagercoil of 4 people, is in accordance with the international guidelines led by the City of Villeurbanne.
This trip is the ideal opportunity for our delegation to meet many leaders of clubs and elementary schools or colleges in the City of Abovyan and thus seek to develop collaboration between the cities. A look back at the major stages of collaboration between our two countries.
Official delegation
avril 2024
The Mayor of Villeurbanne, Cédric VAN STYVENDAEL left for Armenia accompanied by a delegation of political and civil society actors in April 2024. The game of Chess being a bridge for cultural exchange between our two countries, Christophe LEROYthanks to the House of Armenian Culture of Villeurbanne (MCAV), led by Christophe MINASSIANwas part of this journey!
The Mayor of Villeurbanne, Cédric VAN STYVENDAELplanting a Blue Cedar signing this collaboration in the company of the Mayor of Abovyan, Edouard BABAYAN,
CHAMPIONNAT RINCK
avril 2024
Azat TAVAKALYAN Armenian chess player and coach, came to participate in the Lyon Henri RINCK 2024 Championship and former students of school number 5 in Abovyan too!
Without forgetting the arrival of Mariam MARGARYAN, National Referee of Armenia and in particular Abovyan! Here accompanied by her husband Karen KARAPETYAN and the President of the Villeurbanne Chess Club, Thierry PARIS!
Informal exchanges
August 2024
The OTARI and AROUSTAMIAN familiesmembers of the LOE and Villeurbanne Olympique Echecs, went to Armenia this summer. For personal reasons but they also took the opportunity to discuss, for several days, the partnership with Armenian clubs.
Home in Villeurbanne
October 2024
Naira MOVSISYAN came to Villeurbanne and ensured a simultaneous, without defeat (!) at the Maison de la Culture Arméennenne in Villeurbanne. She is welcomed by the Mayor Cédric VAN STYVENDAEL, the Consul of Armenia in Lyon, Ms. Nariné NIKOLYAN, M. Christophe MINASSIAN et Mr. Jacques BALANDJIAN, President and Vice-President of the Armenian Culture House of Villeurbanne (MCAV),
Villeurbanne delegation to the Abovyan autumn tournament
Today – November 2024
Our delegation, which notably represents the City of Villeurbanne, is participating in the chess tournament from November 22 to December 1, 2024.
This is a further demonstration of the brotherhood and exchanges that we have with Armenia in general and with Abovyan in particular.
For Christophe LEROY, our delegation’s trip is the ideal opportunity to meet many officials from the City of Abovyan and thus seek to develop collaboration between the cities and to introduce them to our Indian Friends led by Ephrame MariasingomVice-President of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA), International Referee and Instructor of the International Chess Federation.
In April 2024, the Mayor of Villeurbanne, Cédric VAN STYVENDAELplanting a tree in the company of the Mayor of Abovyan, Edouard BABAYAN.
In November 2024, the grass is rarer but the tree is still there!
How does the participation of a delegation from Villeurbanne in a chess tournament in Abovyan exemplify strengthening diplomatic ties through cultural exchange?
This article describes a delegation from Villeurbanne, France, participating in a chess tournament in Abovyan, Armenia, highlighting the bond between the two cities.
Here are some open-ended discussion prompts based on the article:
**Thematic Sections & Questions:**
* **International Relations and Diplomacy Through Chess:**
* How can cultural exchanges like this chess tournament contribute to strengthening relationships between cities and countries?
* Beyond chess, what other avenues could Villeurbanne and Abovyan explore for collaboration and cultural exchange?
* What are the potential benefits and challenges of using sports diplomacy to foster international understanding?
* **The Role of Individual Connections:**
* The article mentions Christophe LEROY seeking to develop collaborations. How important are individual relationships in fostering wider international collaboration?
* What can individuals do to contribute to building bridges between cultures and promoting understanding?
* **Sharing Expertise and Knowledge:**
* Ephrame Mariasingom’s presence highlights the importance of experience sharing. How can Villeurbanne and Abovyan benefit from each other’s chess expertise?
* What other fields or areas of knowledge could these two cities potentially share and learn from each other?
* **Cultural Exchange and Understanding:**
* What can we learn about the cultures of Villeurbanne and Abovyan (or France and Armenia more broadly) through the lens of this chess tournament?
* How can such exchanges challenge stereotypes and foster empathy between different communities?
**Further Discussion Points:**
* The article mentions planting a tree as a symbol of the relationship. What other symbolic gestures can represent partnerships between cities?
* What are your personal experiences or perspectives on the power of cultural exchange and international connections?
* How can we encourage more opportunities for collaboration and understanding between different cultures at a local, national, and international level?
Remember the goal is to spark engaging conversations and encourage diverse perspectives.
