The National Athletics Federation assessed its three and half years’ activities last week, in the presence of the Sport commissioner, Major General Romodan Osman Awliyay, representatives from regional athletics clubs and other sport federations.

According to the public relations office of the Federation, in the opening of the conference, secretary of the federation Mr. Assefaw Gerezgiher, gave a short briefing regarding the purpose of the conference. Mr. Beyene Russom, President of the Federation, presented reports of the Federations accomplishments in the past three and half years.

In his opening report Mr. Beyene, explained regarding the structure of the federation and its linkage with the regional athletics clubs. Furthermore, he highlighted that the victories gained by our athletes in a number of international competitions.

He noted the problems that they have been encountering in strengthening their human power capacity. He also recommended that the media should play a leading role in enhancing athletics.

At the end of the report, the participants asked questions and held detailed discussions in ways of strengthening the Federation.

Some of the questions raised were:
- When athletes win monetary prize, they have not been able to get their money on time.
- The competition calendar which is usually given ahead to the Zobas, most often get changed after the Zobas made substantial expenses to prepare for the event.
- The lack of a competent body, who examines the fitness of the athletes for international competitions is creating problems etc.
Mr. Beyene Russom gave answers to the questions.

Major General Romodan Osman Awliyay at the end of the conference stressed that the issues discussed were essential in strengthening the Federation. He further reminded the participants that the recommendations and proposals would be included in the federation’s constitution.