Ethiopians and Ethiopian origins in different parts of the world are proud of their roots. They take every opportunity to promote their culture and build their country’s image that is tainted by famine and war. In their different associations, they strive for betterment of their nation through promoting and supporting education, art, business and innovation. Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) maybe the largest non govermnetal association bringing Ethiopians together to celebrate their culture, discuss on different the affairs of the nation and show the beauty of their togetherness.
The 1984 established association continued this festivity for 40th round in city of Weliye, Texas. The festivity feature different activities spanning soccer games, music festivals, running competition and others. The diasporas were glamorized with various culture customes of Ethiopia. There excitement is seen in their pictures while meeting different artists, sport and media personalities, political figures and ofcourse relatives living in different states of the United States and Canada.
At the opening ceremony, City of Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter welcomed athletes and guests from all over North America. He invited everyone to come out and watch thrilling soccer match and experience the rich Ethiopian culture, heritage and food through July 8 at the Wylie High School stadium and Founders Park. The mayor said: “for this significant football competition, which will take place in the stadium at Wylie High, athletes from all over the world will travel to Wylie.”
ESFNA president Abiye Nurilegne was excited about the event at Wylie ISD Stadium and about bringing together the Ethiopian community. “It is a great honor for me to lead this historic organization,” Nurilegne said. “We hope the Wylie community will enjoy this event and learn a little more about Ethiopian culture.”
Ethiopian women’s soccer team forward Loza Abera, retired Ethiopian long-distance runner and 1980 Olympics bronze medalist Eshetu Tura and former Ethiopian men’s team midfielder Bekeri Adem were Guests of honor this year.
The Ethiopian Sport Federation of North America (ESFNA), Deenk Ethiopia Brand and the Mutual Assistance Association for the Ethiopian Community in USA also successfully organized the 2nd edition of Run in the USA-ESFNA 2023.
A 5km adult race and a 1 mile kids’ race were part of this running event that was held last week in Wylie, Texas at Founders Park. Businesses in Dallas profit from the week-long ESFNA event, which draws tourists from Europe, North America, Canada, and Ethiopia. Distinguished guests, including Olympic gold medalists from Ethiopia, were present.
The Run in the USA-ESFNA 2023 is sponsored by the 135-year-old and recently reorganized state-owned Ethiopian Postal Service Enterprise (Ethiopost) and CashGo. Ethiopost’s online platform enables small businesses and businesses owned by women in Ethiopia to sell their products to the Ethiopian Diaspora and beyond. CashGo, a technology-based business company developed by Ethiopians, allowed the Diaspora to send money back home for free without any charges.
The sports event were also opportuned Ethiopian business people based in America and Canada and those invited from Ethiopia. They were selling out different Ethiopian costumes, drinks, foods, books and other local products. It was also a time for Ethiopian artists to meet their fans. Big names in music industry held concerts during the events and before and after the event. The closing ceremonies at the Westin Park Hotel in Dallas featured artists: Sami Dan, Bezuayehu Demissie, Terry Terefe and the Ethiopiawinet Dance Group.
Alongside entertaining and making business, charity ogranizations and people who dedicate themselves for charity use this event. They raised awareness, meet people in same interest and also collect money for their charitable activities. Solomon Bogale who is building hospital for kids has been there. Last year, artist Mesert Mebrate was guest of honor and raised substential fund for Cardiac center Ethiopia.
The Wylie News reported the events showing its place in promotion of Ethiopian culture and its people togetherness. “Aside from the soccer games, there will be authentic Ethiopian food and street vendors, along with networking events for young Ethiopians and businesses.”
ESFNA’s growth in North America has its roots in Ethiopians’ migration to the United States and Canada—especially since the 1980s. Although there were some inter-state friendly soccer competitions in both coasts of the US amongst Ethiopians, the foundation of ESFNA was first envisioned by Ethiopians residing in the cities of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
The organization writes “the need for Ethiopians to have something they can claim as their own for generations led to the creation of some of the guiding principles of ESFNA.” A week-long celebration assembles Ethiopians to honour their heritage, identity and contribute share for development of their country of origin.
The idea was to provide a venue where Ethiopians could meet with North Americans and other Ethiopians to show their togetherness via sports and other cultural activities. Its objectives include giving young people strong role models by inviting well-known Ethiopians who have made significant contributions to their nation through athletics, the arts, and the humanities. The first tournament was held in Houston with the participation of four clubs (Washington D.C., Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta) on April 20, 1984. A year later, the tournament was held in Washington D.C. with additional clubs
Over the past three decades, ESFNA has become a cultural and sports hub for Ethiopians in North America. Every year, thousands of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia spend one Week in one of the 25 North American cities selected as a host city. Visitors interact with hundreds of food and dry good vendors and non-profit charitable organizations in one venue. Along the way, every year, Ethiopians spend millions of dollars in the host city–making a major contribution to the local economy.
The occasion is where the most Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia are gathered. The celebration and event last for a week during the week of Ethiopian Day, and it comes to a close with the awarding of the tournament trophy and closing ceremony. This week-long soccer tournament can be a way for Ethiopians to come together in order to celebrate their culture, identity and assure the continuity of their ideals and the Soccer tournament and cultural festival considered as the biggest gathering of Ethiopians outside Ethiopia.
The city of Wylie granted the ESFNA permission to use $100,000 of its hotel and motel occupancy tax budget to pay for the event. The money is being used to cover the costs of staffing first responders sent to the incident.
BY NAOL GIRMA
The Ethiopian Herald July 14/2023
