Addis Ababa, June 29, 2024 (FBC) – A 10 kilometer road race, dubbed “Mechal for Ethiopia”, will be held tomorrow, June 30, 2024, in Addis Ababa, the Ministry of Defense stated.
This event is organized to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Mechal Sports Club.
Mechal Sports Club recently confirmed that tens of thousands of participants have registered for the race, which will commence and conclude at Mesqel Square, the heart of Addis Ababa.
The Ministry of Defense informed Fana Broadcasting Corporate that athletes, Mechal Sports Club fans, and members of the general public will participate in the 10km road race.
The competition aims to honor and acknowledge the significant contributions made by Mechal Sports Club to Ethiopia’s sporting scene over the past 80 years.
Besides the 10-kilometer street run, the “Mechal for Ethiopia” festival will be celebrated with a variety of events.
One of the most successful and celebrated teams in the history of Ethiopian football is Mechal Sport Club, which translates to “the possibility” in Amharic. Founded in 1938 E.C. by brave and powerful soldiers who fought against the Italian invasion, the team underwent several name changes, including War Team (Mechal), Army Team (Mekelakeya), and finally Mechal Sport Club. Despite these changes, the team has consistently retained its distinctive red and orange colors, maintaining its identity throughout.
Mechal Sports Club, an integral part of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, is the proud home of numerous Ethiopian sports legends, including the renowned Yidnekachew Tessema, Mengistu Worku, Luciano Vassalo, Fisseha Woldeamlak, Mulugeta Mihret, Italo Vasalo, athlete Abebe Bikila, and Derartu Tulu, among others.