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New ski centre was inaugurated on Saturday in Armenia’s Ashotsk in northern Shirak region. The EU-funded project is aimed at promoting outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle in local communities and attract tourists to lesser known spots in Armenia. The event was attended by EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Świtalski, representatives of RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, residents and community members.

As Panorama.am journalist reported from Ashotsk, the centre was official launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony. During the welcome speech, the EU ambassador stated that the establishment of the ski center is the first representative project aimed at empowerment of the process of consolidation of the communities.

The advisor to the National Olympic Committee meanwhile mentioned that the center will contribute to not only the sport development but also tourism. “Winter sports are underdeveloped in Armenia, yet we know that investments like this will change the things. I think the centre will not only host athletes from Georgia and Russia, but also attract tourists. Shirak residents like skiing as evidence by large number of people gathered here,” the advisor noted.

To note, the Ashotsk Ski Centre is funded through the "Citizens Voice and actions in Consolidated Communities" project that is strengthening the capacity of 52 recently consolidated communities – of which most are in rural and remote locations – to engage citizens in local tourism development with a focus on outdoor activities and fostering a healthy lifestyle. The project will also pilot citizens budgeting in Armenia, which will provide citizens in at least 52 communities opportunities to implement small initiatives on their own. The communities will be supported with trainings and examples from Europe and Georgia of similar initiatives.