British Embassy Press Release

The British Embassy, in partnership with East Africa Bottling Company, hosts a reception to bid farewell to Ethiopian athletes that will participate in London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games.  A large group of young and upcoming Athletes as well officials from Ethiopian Olympic and Paralympics Committee, Athletics Federation, Sport Commission, Ethiopian Swimming Federation as well as Henry Bellingham, Minister for Africa, attended the reception. 

Speaking on the occasion UK’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Greg Dorey said:

“This is an extraordinary period for Britain. The Royal Wedding last year, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympics Games this year – and we still have the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby League and Union World Cups to come. Not to mention The Ashes – cricket, for those of you unfamiliar with this competition”. 

On his part UK’ Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham said:

“Ethiopian athletes have a hard-earned reputation as some of the best in the world. Millions of spectators will be watching you with great enthusiasm. It is a wonderful chance to showcase the great things Ethiopia and Ethiopians can achieve”.

Ethiopians Deputy Sport Commissioner HE Ato Abdisa Eneyew said Ethiopian athletes have been training hard and are ready for the London Olympics.

Mr. Emanuel De Castro, Country Customer Services Director of East Africa Bottling Company, also wishes the athletes good luck.

The British Embassy has been organizing a wide range of events to promote London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games that highlights the incredibly strong relationship between Ethiopia and the UK.

Ambassador Greg said:

“We are particularly proud of the Olympic-themed documentary 'Hopes of Ethiopia' that the Embassy has commissioned – being shown on ETV and in schools throughout the country. The film focuses on the activities and aspirations of three Ethiopian athletes as they prepare for London 2012.The main objective of this short documentary is to celebrate the hope, talent and confidence of Ethiopia’s athletes and to showcase them as role models for the next generation.”

The British Embassy has been organizing a wide range of events to promote London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games that highlights the incredibly strong relationship between Ethiopia and the UK.

The Ethiopian Embassy in London is also organizing various events to promote Ethiopian culture including an Ethiopian cultural day with UK primary schools, an Ethiopian cuisine competition and Gala Dinner Honoring Ethiopian Olympic heroes.

Source