Thousands of people across the country descended on San Jose last week for the annual Ethiopia soccer tournament.
Tadias Magazine
Events News – Photos by Kal Kassa
Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
San Jose, CA (Tadias) – The recently concluded Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in San Jose, California was attended by thousands of Ethiopian-Americans and their families.
The annual event, designed to promote goodwill among the various Ethiopian communities in the United States and Canada, is organized by the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA), a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to help popularize amateur soccer while celebrating commonly shared traditions.
The week-long gathering, which this year celebrated its 27th anniversary, goes far beyond sports entertainment, allowing families and friends to come together in celebration of their cultural heritage. The festival week is a popular time for networking, alumni gatherings, small business catering, music performances, and reunion parties.
The colorful 2010 tournament at Spartan Stadium showcased 27 teams – along with food vendors, artists, artisans and entrepreneurs, offering items ranging from injera to T-shirts and everything in between.
ESFNA has yet to announce the host city for next year’s tournament. Meanwhile, here are few photos from San Jose.
Related from Tadias Magazine:
Toronto Says It Has What It Takes to Host the Ethio Soccer Tour
Selam Ethis,
Greetings from Israel. I love it!!! I will join you at the 2011 event!!
Sirak
As much as I enjoyed California, sunny-San Jose was way too hot for me. Plus, the stadium did not get jammed almost until the last day. Even then, the size of the crowed was not D.C. But over all I had a fabulous time. I dig Club Sodore and the Teddy Afro show. I am split b/n D.C. and Toronto for next year. I say Toronto, but turnout could be a risk.
Turnout in SJ wasnt that great, I was surprised by how low it was. Also why do they keep choosing cities that are going to have lo turnout.
It should not be in cities that lack motivation of the community.
The tournament should always be in DC, ATL, LA every other year.
You cant follow, chicago with San Jose and then Follow that with Toronto. I am trully dissappointed by the choice of Toronto.
Toronto MUST be the next host. I think it is pretty ridiculous to repeat venues while there are other member cities that are ready, willing and able to play host. D.C. and Atlanta have hosted more games combined than any other city. Washington was host just two years ago and Atlanta played home only five years ago. In comparison, a decade has passed since tournament was held in Canada. ESFNA is a mahber. And according to our time-honored mahber tradition, the host home (bet) rotates until all members have got a chance. So the right decision is Toronto and I vote for our northern neighbor 100%!!!
So has it been decided? Someone confirm please … yeah T.O!
No it has not been announced yet. I am sure we will read about it on Tadias when they do.
Once a year Ethiopians get together at a certain city for reunion through soccer. It is really ideal.
It has not been decided yet…but Atlanta is also in consideration.
DANCE WITH ME EVERYBODY, CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR TORONTO, CANADA
The pressure’s on; you feel it
But you got it all; believe it
This time for Canada
Waka waka eh eh
This time for Canada
Waka waka eh eh
This time for Canada
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Canada
Shakira Waka Waka
Today’s your day
I feel it
Get up oh, oh
When you get down,
Get up eh, eh
This time for Canada
Oh yeah, This time for Canadaaaaa!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
GOOD LUCK TORONTO!!
Oh!!-My goodness!!
Every body has his/her own favourite city. What about New York City? I choose NYC. Period. Thanks.