WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Armenian Cause and America’s favorite pass-time crossed paths last week as the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 2012 Leo Sarkisian Interns cheered on Republicans and Democrats alike at the 51st Annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.

The on-field rivalry sparked friendly Republican vs. Democrat banter among the ANCA interns, with everyone cheering on the House Members with strong records on Armenian American concerns, including Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA), Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rep. Jeff Denham (R- CA), Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL), Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA). After the game, the ANCA interns had the opportunity to personally thank Representatives Joe Baca, Joseph Crowley and Democrats team captain, Mike Doyle, for their ongoing support.

The night full of baseball fostered a fraternal and fun environment for the interns, as well as exposed them to a different angle of American politics. “It was nice to see that at such a tense time in American politics, the two parties were able to put aside their ideological differences and play a good-spirited game of baseball – all for charity,” explained ANCA LSI intern Joseph Kazazian.

The Congressional Baseball game was not only a fun learning experience for the interns, but it also created an opportunity for them to meet Congressional Leaders and advance the issues of Hai Tahd in a unique way. “I can confidently say that this game was one of the most innovative ways in which we were able meet Members of Congress and thank them for all their efforts in furthering Armenian American concerns,” noted Garen Bostanian.

This year the Congressional Baseball Game was held at the Robert F. Kennedy Baseball Stadium, the home of the Washington Nationals, and was a fundraiser for two worthy DC area charities, the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. This year, the Democrats triumphed with an overwhelming 18-5 win against the Republicans in the seven-inning game.

The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program, is an eight week intensive program designed to give students and activists the tools necessary to effectively advance Armenian American concerns on campus and in their local communities. It is an integral part of the ANCA Capital Gateway program, a year-round internship/job placement service, which provides Armenian Americans with greater opportunities to explore careers on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, the media and foreign policy think tanks.

Community members can follow the ANCA interns throughout the next 8-weeks through photos and blog postings on the ANCA Facebook page- facebook.com/ancagrassroots – and on the ANCA (anca.org), Asbarez (asbarez.com) and Armenian Weekly (armenianweekly.com) websites.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Crowley.jpg: ANCA LSI interns Garen Bostanian and Carina Khanjian with Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

Baca.jpg: Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) in his Dodgers uniform with ANCA LSI interns Grigor Grigorian, Garen Bostanian, Joseph Kazazian, Carina Khanjian and Ara Nerssessian.

Doyle.jpg: Democrats Team Captain Mike Doyle (D-PA) hold the 51st annual Congressional Baseball game trophy with ANCA LSI Interns Joseph Kazazian, Garen Bostanian and Grigor Grigorian.