To popularize running and a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren, as well as to promote physical education and sports, the “RA Prime Minister's Cup” school cross country running tournament was held for the fourth time in the area adjacent to Lake Parz in Dilijan.

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, and the Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan watched the final round competitions and awarded the winners.

11 teams participated in the tournament, each consisting of 7 students (5 boys, 2 girls), who covered a 5,000-meter competition course. The best school teams of the Republic, recognized as winners at the regional and community levels, participated in the final stage.

The title of the tournament winner was awarded to the students of Hunan Avetisyan High School No. 9 in Kapan community of Syunik region. The second place went to Areni Secondary School team of Vayots Dzor region, the top three was completed by Urtsadzor Secondary School team of Ararat region.

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated everyone in attendance on the occasion of the annual tournament and noted with satisfaction that the number of participating schools and students is increasing each year. The Prime Minister presented the upcoming programs, in particular, that starting this year, it is planned to hold a swimming tournament among schoolchildren in swimming pools. It is also planned to hold an author's song festival for schoolchildren:

“We want schools to remain the hub of life for communities, children, and teachers, beyond the classroom process. School is indeed the focal point of life: all issues are resolved through education. Even in the field of public health, many issues are related to lifestyle: it is important to have more movement, sports, and physical education in our lifestyle to live longer and more pleasurable lives.”

Nikol Pashinyan thanked everyone for organizing and holding the tournament and emphasized the need to carry on these wonderful traditions.

Greeting the participants and congratulating them on the tournament, Zhanna Andreasyan also emphasized the growing number of participants: “Still two years ago, we had around 250 schools participating in the preliminary stages. This year, more than 380 schools participated. I am sure there is greater potential for participation, since running is a type of sport in which all schools have the necessary conditions to participate. At the same time, even teams that participate for the second or third time go through competitive selection rounds every year. Team lineups change, and new participants emerge. Additionally, schools conduct internal selection processes that often involve as many as 200 pupils. This indicates that the culture of engaging in healthy physical activity and sports is becoming more widespread,” the Minister noted.

As stated by Zhanna Andreasyan, the only way to succeed is to work hard throughout the year. “It's impossible to make it to the finals if you only have one or two practices. Consistent work should be carried out all year round. Here, the role of teachers is crucial,” the ESCS Minister said and expressed gratitude to the teachers of participating teams, expressing hope that their example will inspire all physical education teachers, contributing to a more active involvement of children.

The teams from Yerevan Armenian-Chinese Friendship School, Agarak Secondary School (Aragatsotn), Urtsadzor Secondary School (Ararat), Jrarat Tatul Khachatryan Secondary School (Armavir), Tsakkar Secondary School (Gegharkunik), Vanadzor Vahan Teryan High School No. 5 (Lori), Hrazdan Basic School No. 11 (Kotayk), Arap Secondary School (Shirak), Kapan H. Avetisyan High School No. 9 (Syunik), Areni Secondary School (Vayots Dzor) and Sevkar Secondary School (Tavush) participated in the final round.

The 1st regional stage of the “RA Prime Minister's Cup” school cross country running competition was held in 10 regions of the Republic of Armenia and Yerevan in May 2025, in which 2,667 students from 381 schools participated. The teams and participants from the schools that took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the final round will be awarded certificates, cups, medals, and cash prizes of the appropriate category from the ESCS Ministry.

In particular, the school that wins first place will be awarded AMD 4 million, while the second and third place schools will receive AMD 2.5 million and AMD 1.5 million, respectively. The physical education teacher of the first-place team will receive AMD 700,000, and each of the 7 students included in the team will receive AMD 150,000. The second and third place winners receive AMD 500000 for teachers, AMD 100000 for students, AMD 300000 for teachers, and AMD 75000 for students, respectively (taxes, fees, and mandatory payments are not included).