Monday, June 23, 2008
DC Sports & Entertainment Commission Hosts Ethiopian Sports Federation Festival at RFK Stadium
First Ethiopian Festival ever held in the District
(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission will host the first ever Ethiopian Sports Federation festival in the District June 29th through July 7th at RFK Stadium. This annual fundraising event will honor influential Ethiopians in recognition of their contributions to their country as well as celebrate sports and cultural heritage.
“We are very proud to help bring the first Ethiopian soccer tournament and festival to RFK Stadium,” said Erik A. Moses, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission chief executive officer. “The Sports and Entertainment Commission and the District are very excited to host the thousands of revelers converging on the city for this unique and important sporting and cultural experience.”
The seven-day tournament will include soccer matches, Ethiopian-American Day celebration, concerts featuring traditional and contemporary Ethiopian performers, a children’s talent show, a vigil hosted by the Ethiopian Women for Peace and Development, voter registration drive, arts and crafts.
“We are energized about the 25th Anniversary of the ESFNA tournament. As one of the founding members of the organization, we are delighted to host this momentous occasion in the District of Columbia – home to the largest Ethiopian community outside of Ethiopia,” said Solomon Abdella, chairman of the ESFNA local organizing committee.
For more than two decades, the Ethiopian Sport Federation of North America (ESFNA) has been promoting amateur soccer and cultural events within the Ethiopian community across North America. The Federation strives to provide positive role models for the youth and promote goodwill between the Ethiopian communities in the United States and those around the world.
About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of Nationals Park and is responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and their adjacent facilities. The Commission is also charged with presenting and promoting sports, entertainment and special events. |
