PM Abiy Unveils Memorial Plaque in Rome in Honor of Heroic Ethiopian Athlete Abebe Bikila

Addis Ababa July 23/2023(ENA):- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has today unveiled a memorial plaque in the street of Rome in honor of the heroic Ethiopian athlete Abebe Bikila.  

The premier is in Italy attending the International Conference on Development and Migration being underway in Rome. 

 

On the side line of the conference, the premier unveiled a memorial plaque in the street of Rome in honor of the late athlete Abebe Bikila.    

Abebe was a marathon runner who won a gold medal while running barefoot at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.  Abebe was also the first Olympic gold medalist both for Ethiopia and Africa. 

PM Abiy stated that Abebe Bikila is a source of national pride and a national gem. He is a unique athlete that raised the profile of Ethiopia to prominence on the world stage and opened the door for many African athletes. 

“He remains a unique symbol of endurance and invincibility. The Italian city of Rome has a street named after him. Early this morning, we unveiled a memorial plaque in his honor,” the premier said in a message he posted on face-book page.