User:Salfred

Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America
According to The Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) website, the Federation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1984 to promote amateur soccer and cultural events within the Ethiopian community in the North America. The goals of the Federation are far more than just a sporting event. They include, establishing a cultural environment for Ethiopians and Americans to interact, a place for youth to go and interact with positive influences, and to engage Ethiopians and Americans in cultural and historical influences. The Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America was created in the 1980’s by a group of Ethiopians in Houston. The first Tournament was held on April 20, 1984 in Houston. Teams from Washington, DC, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta participated in the events. In 1985, the Federation expanded and was held in Washington, DC. Also that year the Federation established officials that would be responsible for its management. Within the last 25 years the Federation has evolved becoming more conventional adopting operating by-laws, rules and regulation of the games and the establishment of a tax-exempt status. The games have become so popular that now research is being conducted by the ESFNA on how to accommodate new members. The length of the annual tournament is one week limiting the amount of time available. Over the past several years, ESFNA has become a cultural and sports center for Ethiopians in North America. Every year more than twenty thousand Ethiopians and American friends spend one week in the host city by taking part in the sports and cultural events organized for their enjoyment. In 2008 the celebration of the 25th Anniversary will be taking place in Washington, DC. This event services as a stimulus to the local economy due to the fact the games attract thousands of people and in return spend millions of dollars. In the very near future, ESFNA is planning to bring more and a variety of programs to its supporters by partnering with major corporations and non-profit organizations. Although ESFNA is a sports Federation, the contributions to the Ethiopian society are far greater than an annual soccer competition. People use these times to reconnect with friends and relatives, to network within the Ethiopian community and a medium to learn and appreciate the Ethiopian culture.