Addis Ababa April 2/ 2023 (ENA) Ethiopia's Abeje Ayana won the men's race at the Paris Marathon on Sunday in his first competitive run over the distance. The 20-year-old Ayana won with a time of two hours, seven minutes and 15 seconds, 20 seconds ahead of compatriot and pre-race favourite Guye Adola with Kenya's Josphat Boit a further five seconds back in third. After clocking 59:39 in a half marathon in Poznan, Poland in 2021, Ayana was one of the men to watch on a grey, windy morning in the French capital, Reuters reported.  

Addis Ababa March 29/2023/ENA/ President Sahle-Work Zewde has received a delegation led by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bonka today, according to the Office of the President. The discussion centered on the conditions under which Ethiopia and the World Anti-Doping Agency can work closely in anti-doping control and investigation, and how the organization can provide technical support, it was learned.   During the discussion, Sahle-Work said that Ethiopia has a long history in athletics and is known in the world since athlete Abebe Bikila won marathon in Rome. She finally thanked the World Anti-Doping Agency for its technical support in anti-doping control.  

Addis Ababa November 20/2022/ENA/ The 22nd edition of Great Ethiopian Run was held today in Addis Ababa with participation of more than 40,000 people. President Sahle-Work Zewde, Addis Ababa Mayor, Adanech Abiebie, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Kejela Merdasa and other senior government officials as well guests including renowned Kenyan athletes and tourists attended the 10 killo Meter annual street race held at Meskel Square in the capital. The Great Ethiopian Run is the first biggest event in Africa and sixth in the world’s international street races. The Great Ethiopian Run is believed to be one of the most important events to promoting tourism in Ethiopia. It was indicated that the Great Ethiopian Run has successfully conducted more than 100 races in various cities in the country over the past years. Ethiopia's famous long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie founded the race in 2000.

Addis Ababa October 27,2022 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a newly rebuilt sport center in Arada sub-city of Addis Ababa today. The previous "15 Meda" sport center was not conducive for physical activities. Therefore, Prime Minister Abiy took the initiative to build a new the sport center with the participation of stakeholders, it was learned. The renovated center was inaugurated today and will provide its previous services. The reconstruction of the sport center is part of the winter volunteer project, it was learned. 

Addis Ababa July 29/2022/ENA/ The Addis Ababa City Administration held a Thanksgiving ceremony for the Ethiopian athletics team that registered stunning victory at the Oregon World Athletics Championship 2022. The athletic team, which stood second after the US in the medal list, was earlier given warm reception by President Sahle-Work Zewde at the National Palace and the outstanding members awarded. The City Administration Council of Addis Ababa also awarded 10 million Birr prize in total to the athletes who participated in the competition. In addition, the athletes who won gold, silver and bronze medals were given 500 to 250 square meters of land based on their results. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Adanech Abebie said that the athletes have once again raised Ethiopia's honor in the world arena. "History testifies that we Ethiopians are people who do not surrender to defeat, and challenges make us stronger," she stressed. According to her, the athletes should be honored for their contribution in making the country's flag fly high in the world championships. Ethiopian Athletics Federation President, Commander Derartu Tulu said she was happy with the reception given to the athletes, stating that "the most precious gift is morale and respect we are given by the people." The Thanksgiving program was held under the theme: "We thank you for raising our flag in the world arena.” Culture and Sports Minister Kejela Merdasa, former famous athletes and various government officials attended the ceremony.

Addis Ababa July 28/2022/ENA/ The results registered at the World Athletics Championship have filled the hearts of Ethiopians with joy and help to sustain Ethiopia's march towards development, Ethiopian Athletics Team Leader at the 18th World Athletics Championships said. President Sahle-Work Zewde welcomed members of the Ethiopian Athletic Team at the National Palace today. During the occasion, the team leader Tefera Molla said he is proud and happy about the victory achieved by the Ethiopian athletes. He also lauded Ethiopians for standing with the athletics team. Tefera recalled the repeated victories achieved by former Ethiopian athletes such as Abebe Bikila, Mamo Wolde, Miruts Yifter, Haile Gebre Sellasie, and Derartu Tulu, among others. The team leader stated that the results obtained in the Oregon World Athletics Championship will enable the country to continue the journey to prosperity. According to him, the victory was achieved due to the rigorous preparations, including the performance and evaluation done on a daily basis, as well as the strict discipline in recruitment. Ethiopia ranked second in the world after United States of America and first in Africa, Tefera noted, adding that the result recorded in the athletics arena proved that there is no force that can stop Ethiopia's journey towards prosperity.

Addis Ababa July 28/2022/ENA/ Ethiopian Athletics team is celebrating its outstanding victory at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon with residents of Addis Ababa by touring the streets of the capital. The athletics team has been given a hero’s welcome upon arrival to Addis Ababa on Wednesday after a remarkable performance at the world athletics championships. A national award and recognition ceremony is also expected to take place at the National Palace later today. In his latest message, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the shining victories the Ethiopian athletes have made at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA that Ethiopians have crowned and triumphed at the global sport stage resisting all the internal and external challenges. Praising Ethiopian athletes for raising the national flag at the global stage, Abiy said “we have plenty of reasons to be grateful as a nation.” It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian athletics team achieved historic results that attracted the eyes of the world at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Ethiopia had the most gold medals from among African countries and ranked second in the world by winning 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze at the championships. In his recent interview with ENA, the world-renowned athlete Haile Gebre Selassie described the victory at the 18th Edition of the World Athletics Championship as a manifestation of a resilient nation and unity.

Addis Ababa July 28/2022/ENA/ The Ethiopian athletics delegation which finished second with remarkable achievement at the 18th World Athletics Championships has received a warm welcome upon arrival at Bole International Airport last night. Ethiopia finished the 2022 World Athletics Championships by winning 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze. The Ethiopian athletics delegation that had registered outstanding results at the 18th World Athletics Championships, held in Oregon, USA arrived in Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the team was welcomed by senior government officials and members of the athletics community. The Ethiopian Athletics Team will receive a grand reception today by the residents of the capital and senior government officials. The team will conduct tours across the main streets of the capital in an open bus as part of the welcoming ceremony. There will be also awarding ceremony at the National Palace to grant recognition to the team for its remarkable achievements that brought Ethiopia front at this global event.

Addis Ababa May 25/2022/ENA /The World Cup Trophy was presented to President Sahle-Work Zewde at the Palace soon after its arrival. FIFA World Cup Trophy has arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday ahead of the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar in 2022. Ethiopia has been the first destination of nine African countries which are included in the tour. In total 51 countries will be visited. “Football can be a very strong tool in bringing people together, to work for the same goal, to abide by the rules of the game and show respect to one another, to learn to share space. It has a strong unifying power.” the President said during the occasion. She added “Since the trophy can only be touched by few people, among them Heads of States, I feel privileged to be given the opportunity on behalf of all Ethiopians before it is displayed at our iconic Meskel Square. I have a special thought for those who will not be able to see it.” The trophy weighs 6.1kg is made of 18 carats gold.

March 21/2022 /ENA/ Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has congratulated Ethiopians for the astonishing results registered by the Ethiopian athletes in the 18th World Athletics Indoor Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.  “I express my delight that Ethiopia finished first in the 18th World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia! Congratulations!” Abiy said. The 18th World Athletics Indoor Championships was held from 18 to 20 March, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. Ethiopia has secured 4 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at 18th World Indoor Championship Sweep in Belgrade. Ethiopia finished first in the 18th World Athletics Indoor Championships. An Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay clean sweep of the medals in the women’s 1,500m final, the first by any nation in any event in world indoor history, with a gun-to-tape victory that also eclipsed the championship record.

Addis Ababa January 23/2022/ENA/ Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the Great Ethiopian Run has been contributing a lot in maintaining and promoting peace and unity among Ethiopians over the last 20 years. The Premier made the remake in a statement issued on his Face-book in connection with the 21 round of the Great Ethiopian Run that was held on Sunday in the capital Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is marching to ensure civilization, peace, tolerance, unity and reconciliation by sidestepping poverty, conflict and war, Abiy said. “Since we are competing with the world, we have to prepare ourselves to be competent without spending time,” he added. Prime Minister Abiy stated that the Great Ethiopian Run is playing a great role in promoting unity and peace among Ethiopians by bringing thousands of Ethiopians to run for peace, love and partnership over the last 20 years. The event has been creating harmony among all Ethiopians irrespective of their religion and ethnic background, Abiy stated. “The Great Ethiopian Run has been bringing together citizens who could not be able to celebrate religious holidays and other ethnic based national events together." The Premier appreciated the founders of the Great Ethiopian Run particularly Athlete Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopia's inspiration and beacon. Abiy said “Haile made Ethiopia proud at international venues. He has been exemplary to several young Ethiopian athletes. The athlete has also been model how to turn money, obtained with various efforts, in to effective investment. Haile is not only Athlete, but also a good advisor and negotiator who doesn’t tolerate when his country is belittled. Ethiopia needs millions like Haile.” The premier expressed his hope that the Great Ethiopian Run will become one of the great events that would promote Ethiopia in the regional, continental and international arenas. He pledged to provide the necessary support in this regard. PM Abiy further urged Ethiopians who have participated in the Great Ethiopian Run to let Ethiopia win and break the record on the world stage in unison just like the way they are participating together at today's event regardless of ethnicity, religion, political difference and gender. It’s been 21 years now since the 10km road race Great Ethiopian Run has been commenced attracting hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians and foreign visitors every year.

Addis Ababa January 2/2022 /ENA/ Mass sport festival, which aims at entertaining the Diaspora community who has come to Ethiopia as part of the Great Ethiopian Homecoming initiative, took place in Addis Ababa today. Great Ethiopian Homecoming is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed calling one million Ethiopians, Ethiopian origins, and friends of Ethiopia to come to Ethiopia during the upcoming Ethiopian Christmas. Accordingly, many have been arriving in Ethiopia despite and engaging in several social and other activities of the nation. The government and people of Ethiopia are preparing to welcome the diaspora in various ways. Today a Mass sport festival was held in the capital Addis Ababa with a view to entertain the Diaspora community who has come to Ethiopia as part of the initiative. Residents of Addis Ababa, government officials and members of the Diaspora have taken part in the mass sport festival that was organized at Mesqel square, in the capital. Opening the festival, Addis Ababa City Deputy Mayor, Jantirar Abay said sport would build a country strong by creating unity and cohesion among the people. He stressed the need to expand sport activities as culture everywhere in the country to create physically matured and productive citizens and promote the development of the country, besides to promoting social interaction with in communities. Members of the Diaspora who have participated in the event have expressed their excitement over the splendid welcoming ceremonies and programs of Ethiopian government and people. Besides to its health benefits, the mass sport said to be a means that enable the Diaspora promote social interaction with the community.

Addis Ababa September 24/2021 (ENA)  The third Great Africa Run will take place in Washington DC next month. According to the organizer's  press release sent to ENA, the Great Africa Run will take place on October 16, 2021 in Washington DC. More than 20 renowned Olympian and athletes including Derartu Tulu will grace the event as guests of honor. The run under the theme “Togetherness is Betterment” will have paramount role in letting the first generation diaspora get acquainted with their culture. The event is also expected to help resource mobilization for charity. Ethiopian Cardiac Center’s goodwill Ambassador, Artist Meseret Mebrate will attend the event and raise donations. Thousands of Diasporas are expected to take part in the 5km run. Great Africa Run Head Organizer, Gashaw Abza said the run beyond covering 5km will bring Ethiopian diaspora closer. He added that Diasporas who contributed a lot for Ethiopia will receive awards.

Addis Ababa, Sebtember 3/2021(ENA) The government of Ethiopia awarded and honored the national athletics team that participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in a grand ceremony held at the National Palace on Thursday in the presence of President Sahilework Zewde. It is to be recalled that Ethiopian Tokyo 2020 Olympics team had finished the competition with 4 medals including one gold medal. The national Olympic Team of Ethiopia won one gold, one silver and two bronze. The nation has won one Gold medal in the men’s 10,000 meter by Selemon Barega Silver by Lemecha Girma with Men’s 3000 meters. Ethiopia has also got two bronze medals by Letesenbet Gideon and Gudaf Tsegay, in 10,000 meter and 5,000 meter women contest, respectively. The participants have been awarded money and certificate of recognition based on the results they have registered in the race. Accordingly, the gold medalist with 10,000 meter, Selemon Barega was awarded 3 million Birr worth car. Bronze medalists Letesenbet Gideon and Gudaf Tsegay have received 1 million Birr each while 3,000 meter Silver medalist Lemecha awarded 1.5 million Birr. Speaking at the ceremony, President Sahilework Zewde noted the strange results registered by the Ethiopian Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as compared to the last 13 Olympics that Ethiopia had participated. The President hence, urged all pertinent bodies of the athletics community to take their respective responsibly seriously to achieve a better result for the upcoming Olympic Games. Other senior government officials including culture and Tourism Minister, Hirut kassew, Sport Commissioner Elias Shikure and members of the Ethiopian Olympic committee have attended the ceremony.

Addis Ababa, March 30/2021(ENA)  The Ethiopian National Football Team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) today. Ethiopia qualified for CAF after the match between Niger and Madagascar ended in a draw,  while Cote d'Ivoire beat Ethiopia 3 to 1. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated the Ethiopian National Football Team for qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations (CAF). In his official account, the premier said “I am happy that the Ethiopian team qualified for Africa Cup of Nations.” The national team qualified for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Cameroun with 9 points.

Addis Ababa , February 10 /2021 ( ENA) Gudaf Tsegay broke the women's world record for the indoor 1500 metres on Tuesday after posting a time of three minutes, 53.09 seconds during a meeting in Lievin, France. Ethiopian Tsegay beat by more than two seconds the previous record set by her compatriot Genzebe Dibaba in Karlsruhe in 2014. “I’m very happy to set a world indoor record. I have been training really hard and I set myself a target to break the world indoor record,” Gudaf Tsegay told the World Athletics website. Athlete Lena Hailu also won the French Indoor Championships in the 3000 meter while Athlete Habtam Alemu finished second in the French 800 meter.

Addis Ababa January 10/2021 (ENA) The 2020 Great Ethiopian Run (GER), which is Ethiopia’s flagship annual event, has supported bird conservation in the country. Adapting to the new normal of life under COVID-19, this year’s GER annual event was held on Sunday in the capital Addis Ababa with a reduced number of participants. The race staged in three separate wave started in a way that allowed greater distancing among participants in a move to apply the World health Organization guidelines. More than 12, 000 runners, including about 300 men and women athletes, have participated in the 10 Kilometers run, the biggest road race in Africa with 45,000 plus participants from all over the world every year since its inception in 2001. Happy revelers of different speed experienced the truly epic event wearing red, yellow and green T-Shirts to symbolize the national flag and running or walking through the central parts of the city interrupting the usual traffic flow at early morning. The race has begun at Meskel Square and ended around Atlas Hotel in Bole Sub-City with tough competition of athletes at the front. Abe Gashahun from Amhara prisons, Tadese Worku from Debub (SNNPR) Police and Milkesa Mengesha from Sebeta Club are the first, second and third men winners, respectively. Similarly, Tsige Gebreselema from Ethio-Athletics, Medhin Gebreslase from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Gebeyanesh Ayalew from defense won the respective ranks from women, it was learned. The Great Ethiopian Run founder and Board chair Athlete Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopian Athletics Head Bililign Mekoya and Total Specialist and B2B Business Manager Bekuretsion Weldeyesus awarded the winners. The 20th edition GER race has supported for bird-safe energy infrastructure in Ethiopia, which aimed at birds’ conservation. The idea behind this support was to associate the extreme efforts of marathon runners with the perilous journey migratory birds undertake, in order to generate public empathy and mitigate threats along the flyway. Electrocution and collision with power lines have been identified as major causes of mortality among birds, killing millions of individuals every year. Several power lines have dangerous designs that put birds at risk. Every year, more than 2000 Endangered Egyptian Vultures gather in Eastern Ethiopia to roost. Consequently, the power line infrastructure in this region may have an upsetting impact on their global population. BirdLife International, through its partnership with the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (EWNHS), was one of the sponsors and VIP attendees at the event within the framework of the “Egyptian Vulture New LIFE" project. The project is being implemented in Europe and Africa, in 14 different countries. Athlete Haile Gebrselassie, renowned economist Peter Middlebrook and British marathon Olympian Richard Nerurkar founded the Great Ethiopian Run 20 years ago. More than 500, 000 people attended The Great Ethiopian Run in the past 20 years. In 2013, GER become the first ever winner of the Social Award of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. It is to be recalled that GER won the “Best International Running Event” award of the Challenge Awards in 2019.

Addis Ababa, December 6/2020( ENA) President Sahlework Zewdie urged countries to exploit the potent tool of sport sustain peace and unity. Higher officials including the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf, Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC) President, Ashebir Woldegiorgis have attended the meeting. At the opening of the Extraordinary General Assembly of ANOCA, President Sahlework said “Sport, as we all know, is a powerful tool for unity and peace.” “We learn, through playing sports, the basic lessons of life how to work with others to reach a common goal, how to follow rules, how to strategize and win, and equally as importance is learning how to lose and make space for others to have their day,” she noted. The president elaborated that Ethiopia's contribution to African Olympics is remarkable. The nation is looking not only to strengthen this position in the world athletics but having the ambition to go beyond the athletics and expand in to new sport, she said. The president underlined that Ethiopia's membership to ANOCA is the vital in achieving both national and continental goals. In sport, as it is in governance there is power in unity she said, adding that continental unity without doubt leverage to increase global inference and reach on common objectives. “We must think beyond sports and identify ways to leverage our influence and resources to engage and empower the youth of Africa. You can count on Ethiopia to stand with you in the achievement of this goal,” she highlighted. The meeting of the organization that unites the 54 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Africa will deliberate on key issues about the continent’s Olympic sports, it was indicated.

Addis Ababa, August 8/2020(ENA) The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, an international organization that unites the 54 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Africa, has awarded its highest African Sport recognition to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.  The ANOCA Order of Merit is awarded to the prime minister in recognition of his exemplary commitment in support of Ethiopian sports and services to the Olympic Movement, a letter sent to ENA by the association stated. The letter from Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) said the ANOCA Executive Board feels proud for conveying the decision to award Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the highest African sport recognition. The ANOCA Order of Merit is awarded to heads of state and sovereign characters.

Addis Ababa, May 14/2020 (ENA) The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lauded Ethiopia and South Africa for their immense contribution in National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) for the protection of clean sport in Africa. In its press release sent to ENA, WADA said a three-year partnership agreement between the Ethiopian National Anti-Doping Organization (ETH-NADO) and the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has yielded significant benefits for the protection of clean sport in Africa. The agreement, which was facilitated and monitored by WADA, saw SAIDS provide support, guidance and expertise to ETH-NADO in building its anti-doping capacity. WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli said cooperation between NADOs is vital for regional development. “Commitment on both sides is very important in these partnerships, and in this case, it was outstanding with both National Anti-Doping Organizations fully engaged with the concept and reality of the initiative,” he noted. According to him, there was regular communication and feedback between the NADOs and with WADA also ensured that the partnership kept momentum throughout the three years. The partnership has helped to build anti-doping capacity and strengthen the system within Ethiopia, further protecting clean sport in that important African sporting nation, he stated. CEO of ETH-NADO, Mekonnen Yidersal said on his part WADA’s partnership program is crucial to strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of NADOs worldwide by fostering a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and trust between nations. He further added that the partnership creates a platform to share knowledge and experience in the field.