Glendale, Calif.-The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region (ANCA-WR) has announced that it will honor IBO bantamweight boxing champion Vic Darchinyan at the 2011 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet for his stalwart commitment to the Armenian Cause and recognition of the Armenian Genocide throughout his internationally heralded boxing career. Both in and out of the boxing ring, Darchinyan has been a public and vocal advocate for the Armenian Cause, speaking openly about the Armenian Genocide, and displaying tremendous pride for his heritage. Although he's a citizen of Australia, Darchinyan always enters the ring carrying the Armenian flag, with rousing Armenian music playing in the background. Earlier this year, on April 23 in Los Angeles, Darchinyan defeated Yonnhy Perez for the IBO bantamweight title, a class that comprises fighters weighing between 116 to 118 pounds. Before the start of this nationally televised event, Darchinyan and his entire team walked into the ring wearing shirts in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. The year 1915 was in white on the black beltline of Darchinyan's trunks. But this demonstration of solidarity and pride was not enough for Darchinyan. In a post-fight interview inside the ring, and also at his press conference, Darchinyan further explained the significance of the shirts, his belt, and the impact that the Armenian Genocide has had on him, his family and the Armenian people. "April 24 is a very important day for all Armenians around the world. Hopefully, I made it a little better and put a smile on their faces," said Darchinyan. "I fight for my son, my family, my parents, and my country - Armenia." On April 24, one day after his fight, he joined thousands of Armenian Americans on the streets of Los Angeles in a march to commemorate the Genocide. "Vic Darchinyan may be classified as a bantamweight by the International Boxing Organization, but he is a heavyweight in the fight to recognize the Armenian Genocide," said ANCA-WR Chairman Andrew Kzirian. "This award reflects the deep pride that the Armenian American community has for Vic Darchinyan. No matter what his professional record reflects, he will always be the people's champion for his cultural pride and commitment to the Armenian Cause." The Annual Banquet will take place at the Universal Sheraton Hotel on Saturday, November 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Annual Banquet are $ 200, and discounted tickets are available to students with valid ID. The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. Jenny Mankerian Communications Director Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region

---