THE ANNUAL SOCCER TOURNAMENTS

THE GATHERING OF ETHIOPIANS

By Zewge Fanta

June 2005

In June of 1991, Ethiopians every where on the planet were immersed in deep grief. The unknown forces had invaded Ethiopia bringing with them signs of bad days. The past 14 years have been nothing, but horrific experiences to Ethiopians. Today, Ethiopians are seeing the last moments of the drama of foray of the fourteen years as the same forces are about to leave the country rejected by democratic forces.

The intense preparation of the 1991 Ethiopians Annual Soccer Tournament at Seattle was suddenly in limbo, and the Federation was thinking to cancel the event. The Federation had feared that the events in Ethiopia would affect the attendance. Ato Mekonnen, President of the Federation was enquiring how the 15,000+ Ethiopian residents in Seattle were feeling about the tournament. Many told him that Ethiopians were determined to make the event the most colorful and fun. The 1991 Soccer Tournament in Seattle had proved to be an extraordinary event ever. Through out the games, people were singing �Ethiopia Hagere� and special �Zefen� and �kerarto� catered for the situations.

The 1991 Tournament had lifted the spirits of Ethiopians. The sentiments and unity of Ethiopians were never exhibited so strongly. The Ethiopians used the event to show their unity, strength and determinations. Ethiopians also held meetings to discuss the national issues. Many who had contemplated to attend the tournament at first had changed their minds quickly and rushed to purchase tickets to come to the games to have fun and to patronize the cultural events and also to take part in the national discussions. The events were significant and successful both culturally and politically. Many political organizations were born, and those that existed were rejuvenated to begin their active political roles. Some of the political parties that dwarfed TPLF/EPRDF forces in the May election were conceived and formed following the discussions and debates that took place during the soccer tournaments and cultural events at Seattle in 1991.

            Ethiopian Sport Federation in North America (ESFNA) is a non-profit organization established to promote cultural events and sports competitions among Ethiopians. The Federation is a symbol of Ethiopians. It has survived not too many, but a few unwanted influences and political pressures that were contrary to the interests of the Ethiopian refugees. Even though the Federation is a non-political and non-religious entity, its principles and missions are directly associated and connected with all other missions that enhance and maintain the well being of Ethiopians both abroad and at Home. Thus, the national issues and concerns of Ethiopians are also concerns of the Federation that is made up of more than 25 Sports Clubs and cultural Associations. Thus, the concerns about Ethiopia are the concerns of every officer, team player and club member. There is no question that ESFNA, as an Ethiopian institution would be involved and engaged in the humanitarian missions especially when national crises have erupted and Ethiopians at home are facing incredible hardship. The Federation has done many commendable actions in the past reaching out and extending assistances to famine relief efforts. The honor given to Prof. Asrat by the Federation for his national services both scientific, national unity and democracy of Ethiopian people remains the most honorable and heroic act. The Federation though a young institution is with out a doubt the most invaluable institution that Ethiopians have. The Federation must use its resources and programs in well organized and calculated manner. In general, Ethiopians are wise and far sighted people. Ethiopians are not like other people in some ways that is what makes us culturally and socially unique.

The Eritreans are good examples of what Ethiopians are not. The Eritrean leaders were eager to use up and abuse their limited resources that businesses, organizations and individuals generated. They consumed and completely depleted their resources making organizations and businesses unable to exist or to produce. The Eritrean leaders did this in order to destroy Ethiopia or in futile attempt to compete against Ethiopia. What we see today are if any thing ravages and blighted areas of their little country.

            Ethiopians are wise people. They use and depend on the carrying capacity of their resources be it individuals or organizations. As the result, every where are signs of strength and potentials of vast development and growth. Ethiopians have home-based sources of economic power that would enable them to expand the social, scientific and economic horizons any where on the planet. Ethiopians have huge reservoirs of resources that their institutions and businesses can exploit. The opportunities are immense, and every Ethiopian has good reasons to be confident and proud.

But, time has come, and events have made it critical that we also maximize our technical support and financial assistances to our beloved people at Home who are presently in critical situations and dire needs. Our supports are absolutely essential in order to overcome the difficulties of the present, and embark soon on the great journey of development. Time has come that we strengthen our unity and work together for common good. The well being of Ethiopians at Home is in every respect the measure of the well being of Ethiopians every where. Events in Ethiopia dictate the lives of Ethiopians abroad. Thus, if we don�t do our part to the extent necessary, and if we don�t become involved in the roles of the nation-building efforts that are about to begin soon, then, we may be knowingly heading to the same blighted areas of lasting depressions and Dark Age. Let us pay attention to Dr. Taye Woldesemayat and follow him till the end of the road. Let us also remember that Prof. Asrat wanted to see a day like May 15^th. That must be recorded as his day!

            The events of 1991 had brought us together in large number. The demonstration of Ethiopians gathered in the nation�s capital, Washington, D.C. during the 1994 tournament had left lasting impressions affecting positively our political goals. The events had helped shape the courses of our missions. The 2005 tournament in Atlanta next month shall be spectacular. CNN will be overlooking Ethiopians celebrating the victory of the opposition of May 15^th elections. Ethiopians will inundate the CNN campus (building) and the World shall watch the �Blameless Ethiopians.� We will have great fun for sure. The huge turn out will show the enormous political and economic forces that Ethiopians have at their disposal. No doubt that our visible presence in the city shall influence the courses of events in Ethiopia ■

Note:

The author Zewge Fanta is an Engineer residing in Seattle.

You may contact him via E-mail: [email protected]