The Holy Martyrs Sports Program began in 1957-58 when Rev Fr. Vartan Megherian of blessed memory, asked Misak Aprahamian to organize a basketball team for the Long Island ACYOA Seniors at Bayside. This team played in the Press League sponsored by the Long Island Daily Press. Additional games were also played against St. George’s Church Flushing, Forest Hills AGAU, Holy Cross Union City, Holy Cross New York and the Providence ACYOA.

The Armenian Churches Sports Association (A.C.S.A.) was founded in 1967 by our parishioners, Nishan (Pete) Apelian, the late Fred Avedis and Thomas Fourounjian, who served also as its first Commissioner. What started solely as a Senior Boys Basketball Division in 1967, expanded into a Juniors Division in 1976, and a Girls Division in 1977. In 1989, the Mens Division was founded. All of our teams have won many championships over the years, including, most recently, the Mens championship four years in a row (2008-2011) and Girls championship (2009). Our youth are also active participants at the ACYOA Sports Weekends where they have represented our parish proudly with their sportsmanship.

The Sports Program at Holy Martyrs develops commitment and leadership qualities in our youth. Many of our former players have gone on to serve in the parish in many leadership roles as well as in the ACSA and as coaches of our sports teams.

If you have a son or daughter who would like to be involved in our Sports Program, please contact the church office at 718-225-0235 for more information.