“A Sound Mind in a Strong Body” Focus of Embassy Donation for Ethiopian Youth (10/31/07)

On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, PAO Michael McClellan donated over 1500 “kits” comprised of soccer balls, notebooks, and ink pens, all emblazoned with the American and Ethiopian flags to the Ministry Of Youth And Sports for donation to young people throughout Ethiopia. The ceremony was held on October 31, 2007 at the Ministry Of Youth and Sports and was carried on nationwide television and newspapers. PAO McClellan presented the donation to Ato Getahun Gebre Giorgis, head of the Department of Training, Competition and Sports Federations.  PAO’s opening remarks stressed the need for Ethiopian youth in this year of the Ethiopian Millennium to build strong minds in healthy bodies by having a good balance of academic and physical training, noting that the flags on the items symbolized the deep and abiding friendship between the Ethiopian and American people, a friendship that is now over a century old.

Other Officials from The Ministry of Youth And Sports and twenty students from the Menilik elementary school also attended the ceremony.