"I grew up around my Grandmother who escaped the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century, so I had a unique perspective on life and the freedoms that we have in the States. Between Grandma, and a father who owns an Armenian restaurant, I've always had a strong appreciation for my Armenian heritage, and love that I have a chance to compete for our flag! I'm so proud to come from a country with such a generous people and a rich heritage, and it's great to be able to represent and educate people on where Armenia is and it's place in history. I'm proud to be an American, but just like most of this country, I love my roots and where they originated from."

Allen Babayan:

Allen is the newest addition to the Armenian Bobsled team, joining the team
in June of 2002. Allen graduated from the University of California, Davis,
receiving a B.A. in Political Science. Subsequently, he attended Lincoln
Law School, where he received his Law Degree in June of 2000. Allen is
currently employed as a Contracts Manager at Hyperion Solutions
Corporation, a software company located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and
resides in Los Altos Hills.

Athletically, Allen is a 3 time All-American in the Shot-Put and the Hammer
throw, as well as the current Armenian National record holder in both the
16 lb. Shot-Put (61'1") and the Discus throw (175"). Standing 6' tall, and
weighing in excess of 245 lbs., Allen was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic
Trials team, where he competed for a position on the U.S. Olympic Team. His
best throw of 62'5" ranked Allen within the top 12 Shot-Putters in the
United States, and he hopes to someday attend the Olympics Games for
Armenia in the Shot-Put.

"My Armenian heritage has always been a extremely important and intricate
part of my identity, and to have the opportunity to represent my country in
international competition is not only a dream come true, but a true honor.
Moreover, the nonprofit organization that we established, the "Armenian
Athletes Association", will be used for more than our own athletic
endeavors; it will be a vehicle by which we can give back to the Armenian
community, specifically the youth. We plan to have events designed to
heighten cultural awareness within our youth, and provide our next
generation of Armenians with the tools to prosper and succeed as athletes,
and as individuals."

Yorgo Alexandrou :

Yorgo joined the Armenian team in the 2000-2001 season for the Calgary World Cup when Ara was unable to compete. Coming on full time for the 2001/2002 Olympic season, Yorgo has brought an invaluable knowledge of machinery and race equipment to help the Armenian team excel not only during the race, but in the preparation of the sled. In the off season, Yorgo owns two other
company's: Pelos Imports, an importer Greek wine, and H2O Craft rentals, the largest jet ski, ski boat rental facility in the Bay Area
(www.h20craft.com)

Ara Bezdjian :

Ara has been competing for the Armenian Team for 3 seasons, and has been a major factor in the funding and development of the team. Living in the San Jose Area of California, Ara is the father of two sons, and a partner in a commercial real estate firm, Heil Inc. (www.heilinc.com) Ara also has family in the bay area with his father Joe Bezdjian who owns the well known, Simonian Rugs Carpets (www.simonianrugs.com), being a fan of bobsleigh competition. Joe and his wife Araxi live in the San Mateo area.