Organization for the 16th African athletics championship at the final chapter

Organization for the 16th African athletics championship currently at the final stage, Ethiopian athletics federation announced the twenty four national athletes to represent the nation. In a press conference held at Ethiopian Millennium secretariat office all time world great athletes Haile Gebreselassie, Millennium secretariat director Seyoum Bereded and main sponsor of the event Nova Africa stated that hosting the continent's biggest athletics event is a real test for Ethiopia and every single citizen must get ready to play a part in helping the event achieve success.

The continental event brings together more than 43 out of 50 African nations and represented by more than 2000 athletes ready to battle in 24 different disciplines. The host nation Ethiopia takes part in nineteen disciplines out of which 80 percent success is expected in short and middle distance show downs. According Ato Dube Jilo athletics federation technical head, in addition to some minor finishing touches surrounding the stadium many works are already done and in the final stages. Even the installments of state of the art athletics sport equipment like photo finish and giant screens are ready for action.

"In addition to an award ceremony at Sheraton Addis for 54 African all time great athletes, twenty four-star hotels to accommodate the visitors, referral Black Lion and Bete Zata hospitals are on stand by for any emergency" stated Ato Getahun GebreGiorgis, the 16th African nations athletics championship organizing committee coordinator.

Two time woprld athlete of the season Kenenisa Bekele led the ten thousand meter squad that comprises of Seleshi Sehen, Ababe Dinkesa, G/Egziabher G/Mariam, Tadesse Tola and Habtamu Fekadu. The 5000 meter squad is spear headed by Tariku Bekele and brings together Abraham Cherkose,Bekana Daba, Ali Abdosh, Markos Genete and Demsew Tsega.

Reigning world best athlete of the season Meseret Defar leads the way to Ethiopian women's 5000 meter squad with Meseletch Melkamu,Koreni Jelila, Sule Utara, Aselefech Mergia and Workitu Ayano. Olympic and world champion trunesh Dibaba spear head the 10000 meter squad that comprise Ejgayehu Dibaba, Mestwat Tufa ,Wude Ayalew, Genet Getaneh and Teiba Erkesso. The four day event is the biggest ever atletics championship in Ethiopia and takes place from May, 1-4, 2000.