EAF ready to host 16th Africa Athletics Championship

Addis Ababa, April 18 (WIC) – The 16th Africa Athletics Championship due to be held from April 30-May 4,2008 in the metropolis would improve the image of the country and bolster the efforts to host other continental and international competitions, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation ( EAF) said. EAF Secretary Adam Tadesse told WIC today that the preparations which have been underway during the past two years are finalized. The Ethiopian Athletics Federation has allotted 23 million birr and the African Athletics Confederation 200,000 USD to make the championship colorful and successful, according to the Secretary. Some 43 countries have so far confirmed their participation and close to 1,000 people are expected to arrive for the championship, he indicated. Accommodation, transportation and other essential facilities are readied for the participants, the Secretary pointed out. More than 70 athletes of various countries who have contributed to the growth of African athletics would be given award ahead of the launching of the championship, it was learnt.

(c) Walta Information Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia