The Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) opened its annual soccer tournament on Sunday, July 1st, in Dallas, Texas, with a big fanfare. I have been to several ESFNA events in the past, and I am sure many people would agree that this year’s is the best organized, and the most exciting event in the Federation’s 29-year history. On top of that, it feels like a genuine family event where Ethiopian patriotism is once again fully embraced. A horse galloping into the stadium with the rider carrying an Ethiopian flag while Teddy Afro’s Tikur Saw was playing was a particularly fantastic and emotional scene. The only thing that tempered my excitement was when some one informed me that the Woyanne-operated Ethiopian Airlines was among the sponsors of the Dallas event. After ESFNA’s patriotic Ethiopians successfully expunged Al Amoudi servants and Woyanne thugs from the Federation, apparently there are still some who are lurking around trying to cause trouble. ESFNA has come a long way in cleaning up its house from Woyanne thugs, but the fight must continue until all remnants of Woyanne are fully cleared from this great Ethiopian institution. The ESFNA event will continue until next Saturday. I urge you to come with your family and enjoy. I am told that the horse will make an appearance again on Wednesday, July 4. Watch the video below. – Elias KIfle
ESFNA 2012 Dallas Opening Ceremony