Stas Nazaryan, a six-time Paralympic athlete, is transforming the lives of wounded veterans from the Artsakh war through the power of sports, drawing on his own journey of resilience after losing his legs in the 1988 Spitak earthquake.
Stas Nazaryan, who lost his legs in the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake, has become a beacon of hope for wounded veterans of the Artsakh war through his advocacy in sports. Having represented Armenia at six Paralympic Games, Nazaryan’s journey has been one of resilience and inspiration. His athletic career encompasses sailing, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and wheelchair racing, culminating in his participation at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where he competed in the men’s 100-meter T54 wheelchair race.
In the wake of the 2020 Artsakh war, Nazaryan, alongside fellow Paralympians, has dedicated himself to aiding soldiers who have suffered life-altering injuries. As a co-founder of the Armenian Para Athletics Federation, he empowers these veterans to train and compete, fostering confidence and community while helping them set new goals.
Nazaryan believes that sports can be a pathway to recovery, just as it was for him after his own traumatic experience. By coaching the next generation, he aims to provide them with similar opportunities and a renewed perspective on life. This inspiring story is highlighted in OJTV’s documentary “Armenia: How Sport Helps a People Rebuild,” which examines the critical role of sports in healing and resilience. To support Nazaryan’s mission and assist wounded veterans, he invites individuals to reach out directly at @stasnazaryan.