DETROIT, Mich.—Given the choice between basking in royalty or passing the glory on to others, there’s no contest.
Alex Sarafian was never much for individual attention, not in his days as a star-studded athlete, Governing Body member, coach, or now AYF Olympic King.
The Olympic elite, however, saw it another way and gave the honor of King to an individual who has answered the call of duty without fanfare.
And what better time than this, the year Detroit put all its talent together for a resounding victory before a hometown crowd that, only a year ago, was left wondering after a lackluster 65 points and 4th place.
In so doing, the 44-year-old Sarafian enters the charmed circle as the youngest member of his clan, dating back to 1952 when Olympic royalty was initiated. His father-in-law Harry Derderian received the coveted nod in 1980.
Also sharing the King’s tribute with Alex this year was Steve Panosian, whose history appears elsewhere in this special edition.
“Yes, I was troubled by the ‘K-T’ showing, particularly over the years I was on Governing Body and had to remain impartial,” Sarafian admitted. “We have a great group of involved young adults in our chapter now, most of them third-generation AYF members. New leaders are emerging. They took the initiative to reach out to our alumni and develop a plan of attack. They executed it well. All the credit goes to them for getting organized, practicing, and delivering. The challenge now is to take the show on the road and we’re looking forward to Providence next year with good numbers.”
It’s been a road paved with adversity for Alex, not roses. A long and excruciating battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma refused to take its toll. Neither did his father’s death on an AYF Olympics dance floor while Alex was still an adolescent.
Instead, he used these obstacles to create a better world for himself and others, wedding his long-time sweetheart Kara Derderian and bringing two future AYF athletes into the world. The disease very nearly took a backward toll on the man.
“I have always had an appreciation for life and the need to live each and every day,” Sarafian confessed. “My experience with cancer thoroughly reinforced…press[ing] forward no matter what life throws at you.”
With that experience, Sarafian has taken it upon himself to crusade against the dreaded disease, speaking to others in a similar battle. The message he brings offers solace. “Stay positive!”
“I tell them it’s not fair that they’ve been stricken, but they can’t dwell on that. Rather, they need to attack the disease. Cancer knocks you down and only you can get yourself back up. I encourage them to look forward to the day when the treatments are over and how bright life will be when the horrifying experience is behind them.”
Alex and Kara took their places in the Detroit line during their typical halleh dance, which punctuated the victory. Even those from outside Detroit were caught in the frenzy. An added complement was winning the softball crown.
As for the gold medal, it becomes a testament to his parents.
“Without question, I would dedicate this to my mom and dad,” Alex said. “As AYFers themselves, they ensured that my brother and I were exposed to the AYF and all the wonderful moments it has brought to our lives. In some ways, it’s a tribute to them since they were the ones who instilled values in me and taught me what it meant to be an Armenian.”
Of all the golds Alex received in AYF competition (90 points), this one stands supreme for obvious reasons. All the others represent individual and/or team accomplishments. This one is all inclusive. It combines every iota of Armenian-ism into its core.
He attended his first AYF Olympics in 1974 and hasn’t missed one since. He proceeded through the ranks with alacrity, through Juniors and Seniors, Camp Haiastan and Junior Seminar, NATs, and many a community venue.
His eight years on Governing Body (2004-11) helped advance the Olympics. Add to that his efforts at St. Sarkis Church with the Board of Trustees and the passion has never waned.
“We return the favor to those who made the same sacrifices for us,” he brought out, “paying it forward to the future of my children and the generations that follow.”
At UMichigan, Sarafian was a prodigious athlete with no modesty intended. He graduated there in 1991 where he was the 5th best javelin thrower in school history at 193 feet, 4 inches. Since then, he’s been passed by only one newcomer, leaving him 6th all-time.
His undergraduate degree was in finance and marketing. Back he went to graduate school where, in 2008, he was conferred an MBA in finance and corporate strategy.
His best friends applaud him, knowing the long and winding road it took to achieve this accolade in so short a time.
“Alex’s love for athletics, the youth, and his community is genuine and unparalleled,” said Ara Topouzian. “He has always given of his time with the intention of helping the youth of our community. It started when our brothers were helping officiate the AYF Juniors. Alex naturally took the baton and continues to help the Juniors whenever possible. The Detroit community is a better place with his involvement. In my heart, I know his parents are watching over him and so very proud.”
Adding to the sentiments was another from the coaching cohort, Armen Derderian.
“Alex is one of the most committed and dedicated alumni to our AYF and its games, Junior and Senior,” he noted. “It would be hard to find a more deserving person to receive this honor.”
For Alex Sarafian, the future is today. Playing dad to two lovely daughters (Ani and Alina) with Kara by his side is the consummate prize. The volunteer work is perpetual. That includes a 41-year streak at Midwest Junior Olympics, which he hopes to maintain.
“I have many nieces and nephews in the AYF ranks now, watching them compete and grow into the organization,” he said with pride. “There may even be a Sarafian on the Detroit roster next year.”
Tom Vartabedian
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