Keep on Rolling

Hovhannes Khzmalyan has spent the last eight years of his life dedicated to helping develop wheelchair basketball in Armenia. After graduating with a Master’s in Sport Management at the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, in 2019, he and his friends founded the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Armenia. He serves as the General Secretary. Hovhannes also founded the first wheelchair youth basketball club in Armenia, Motus Vita, and the New Bayazet basketball club, which earned third place in the Caucasian Basketball League in the 2021-22 season.

When he isn’t focused on wheelchair basketball, Hovhannes works to break down more barriers in Armenia. He currently serves as General Secretary for the Republican Sports Festival of Disabled People and was elected by the Athletes’ Council of the Armenian Paralympic Committee to represent Armenian athletes in the International Paralympic Committee. Through these positions, Hovhannes strives to create a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with disabilities.

Hovhannes looks forward to connecting with people whose passion is disability sports development so that he can bring new ideas and partnerships to Armenia that help advance disability sports in his community. By creating inclusive programs, advocating for accessibility, and fostering partnerships through sports in Armenia, Hovhannes hopes to create an environment where others realize their full potential and thrive.

Hovhannes will be mentored by Cezar Olivas, the Assistant Director of Adaptive Sports and Recreation at the University of Texas at Arlington.