Mass Sport and Athletics Competition in Dekemhare

Mendefera, 18 May 2026- Mass sport and athletics competitions in connection with the 35th Independence Day anniversary were conducted in Dekemhare city on 17 May under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”

The program, organized in collaboration with the Commission of Culture and Sports branch in the Southern Region and the Dekemhare sub-zone administration, was attended by a number of Dekemhare residents as well as about 150 athletes.

The program included 3,000- and 10,000-meter races for female athletes and 5,000- and 10,000-meter races for male athletes.

Accordingly, Olympian Athlete Nazareth Woldu from Gash Barka won the 10,000-meter competition, followed by Natsinet Amanuel from the Southern Region and Simret Merhawi. In the men’s 10,000-meter category, Yoel Zerit stood first, while Teklehaimanot Berhane and Mogos Shumei, both from the Southern Region, stood second and third, respectively.

Noting that the mass sport program was initiated three years ago to commemorate the final assault of the EPLF forces on the Dekemhare front for the total liberation of the country, Mr. Musie Kebede, President of the Athletics Federation in the Southern Region, said that the program, which is conducted every year, is being participated in by national athletics clubs.

Mr. Yemane Abera, administrator of Dekemhare sub-zone, called for the continuity and further strengthening of the program and commended all those who contributed to its successful implementation.

Indicating that the mass sport program is part of the Independence Day anniversary celebrations being conducted in all sub-zones of the region, Mr. Abraham Yohannes, Director General of Culture and Sports in the Southern Region, commended the Athletics Federation in the region, as well as national athletics clubs, for their efforts in the colorful implementation of the program.