ESFNA 2007

Dallas, TX

Little Ethiopia Festival - Los Angeles, CA
December 10, 2006

Little Ethioipia of Los Angeles, celebrated it's annual street festival. The festival included music, foods, crafts & arts.

- Photos by Irene Fertik

Participant Note: " After talking to Brehanu Asfaw, the Little Ethiopia Business Assoc. Chairman. He figures there were close to 5000 people throughout the day, Dec, 10th. But the weather was cold and threatening rain. The restaurants were packed on Fairfax Ave. partly due to the weather. But the seated audience in the street left no chair empty, and many stood closer to the entertainment. The most popular entertainment was hosted by a young, second generation Ethiopian-American named Nathan, who planned the Cultural Dancing Competition. He accomplished this with humor and down home grace. The teenagers could not resist, especially with $ 25 prizes for the best dancer from each culture. So the street belonged to the young this 5th anniversary celebration." - Irene Fertik - December 17, 2006.

Master of Ceremony Note: "Personally, I was honored to be apart of not just this great event, but just among a hungry generation that is looking for change in their country. I am just hoping to fill the hunger of all the youth who need direction on how they can make a difference in Ethiopia through entertainment that will draw them in. Besides that i was impressed at all the decorations, the band, and all the cultural booths that represented our Ethiopia to the fullest!" - Nathan "Nate" - December 15, 2006.

- Photos by Irene Fertik

EthioLA3 Photographer Irene Fertik, featured in Jersualem Post
October 27, 2006

[Irene Fertik] is documenting the Ethiopian aliya for her upcoming book, From Tesfa to Tikva, a photo journal and text documenting the absorption of Ethiopian Jews in Israel.

At 63, Fertik wears her thigh-length straight sliver hair loose down her back. She grew up in Cheltenham, a suburb of Philadelphia, moved to New York City after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. She currently lives in in Los Angeles. The child of a writer and an actor, Fertik says she was raised by her mother to believe she could become anything she wanted. The fact that there were no professional women photographers as she was growing up in the 60's didnt faze her. Inspired by the black experience in America, she spent most of her career photographing black dancers, sports events and the activities of non profit organizations.

Jerusalem Post - Jerusalem
Author:	RUTH MASON
Date:	Oct 27, 2006
Start Page:	24
Section:	Features
Text Word Count:	539

ESFNA Donates $20,000 USD to Ethiopian Flood Victims
October 23, 2006

Members and Friends of ESFNA are deeply saddened by the extensive damage the recent floods have inflicted in Eastern Ethiopia. It is in times like this we put aside our
differences and pull together to help the victims of this colossal tragedy.

ESFNA has donated $20,000.00 to be used by a non-governmental organization to
deliver much needed assistance to the flood victims of the Omo region.

ESFNA has also created a separate bank account to solicit funds to this effort and
already donations have been collected outside of ESFNA funds. As the funds come in,
we will list the names of contributors to this effort on our website.

ESFNA invites you to take part in this noble effort and has created a secure
electronic donation method. Click on the link below if you decide to make a
donation to go to the flood victims of the Omo region. Thank you for your continued
support of ESFNA.

http://www.esfna.org/projects/esfna_foundation/index.cfm

Executive Committee,
ESFNA

August 11, 2006

56 minutes; 24 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: August 11, 2006

Show Description:

• Wrap up discussion of ESFNA 2006 Los Angeles event
• Tamirat Tafese, of L.A. Stars' passing & his life story
• Interview ESFNA President Dawit Agonafer, ESFNA Business Manager Haile Tefera, ESFNA Tournament Coordinator Tamirat Mamo and ESFNA Finance Chair Mr. Solomon Assefa

Listen to it here: [ click to play - August 11.mp3 ]

LA Stars - ESFNA 2006 Champions
July 10, 2006

ESFNA 2006 was concluded with a great attendance and many activities. A full complete events update will be posted by mid week, so please visit the website to see the daily pictures and updates.

LA Stars Celebrating, the scoreboard shows "LA Stars 2" and "DC Stars 1"

Left to Right
Guest of Honor Olympian Geremew Demboba handing the Championship Trophy to LA Stars Captain Yared Girma (who was named ESFNA 2006 MVP, also scoring the most goals for the tournament at 10 goals), standing next to Olympian Geremew, Guest of Honor Professor Pankhurst, Guest of Honor and LA Stars & ESFNA co-founder Fisseha W/Amanuel; ESFNA President Dawit Agonafer, (turning sideways in blue shirt: LA Stars' beloved coach Mengistu Hussien).


In addition to the Division one trophy, here are other awards LA Stars received:

• Mengistu Hussein, Best coach
• Tadios, Best Goalie
• Yared Girma, Top Scorer
• Yared Girma, MVP

  ESFNA would like to congratulate Yared Girma on his outstanding performance through out the tournament. Yared is not new to receiving recognitions in the sport he loves.

• 1999 - All Bay League 2nd Team - Scored three of more Goals in eleven games.
• 2001 - Harbor Cup MVP; Ocean League MVP; All-CIF 1st Team
• Played Varsity all 4 years at Inglewood High, he is the all-time leading scorer with 102 goals.
• 2003 - ESFNA Division I Top scorer

LA Stars' beloved coach Mengistu Hussien who they carried on to the field soon after they won the championship.

L.A. Star's phenomenal goal keeper, who is also the current Ethiopian National Team Goalie. Surrounded by his team members, ESFNA President Dawit Agonafer, LA Stars Coach Mengistu Hussien, LA Stars Assistant Coach and Representative to LA3 Aberra Gebre.

ESFNA appreciates the role Journalists and Entertainers play during its event. The match, organized by ESFNA's public relations officer, Ato Zecharias Getachew, is sure to be a permanent fixture in ESFNA tournaments. Among the participants from the journalists side were, Ato Addisu Abebe of the VOA, Zewge Kagnew of Dallas radio, Wondwossen Kebede of DC Yichalal, Aklilu Tadesse of Ethio-forum, Tedros Haile of Dink Magazine, Kinfe Assefa from Europe, Atikilt of Maleda Magazine, Ayalkibet of Abyssinia radio, Sisay from Mahidere Andinet Atlanta, Abebe from San Jose, Eyob from Ethiopia, Seifu Tibo from DC radio, Aynalem Ketema and Werkaferahu Kebede of the VOA.

Among the entertainers were, team leader Neway Debebe, Tsegaye Eshetu, Zemene Berhane, Yihune Belay, Yohannes Berhanu aka Johnny B, Adane Teka aka Yiwedal, Shambel Belayneh, Eyayu Bele, Teshager Yilma, Yohannes Tona and Elias Fikir. ESFNA Appreciates these professionals for their hard work and participation in the historic match.

Left to Right:
Artist's Coach, Singer Yehune Belay, ESFNA P. R. Officer Zecharias Getachew, Singer Tsegaye Eshetu, (back row: Singer Yohannes "Johnny B" Berhanu, Singer Neway Debebe - Team Captain), crouching Singer Minale Dagnew

Before the start of the Artists vs Journalist game.
Left to Right: Band Musician, Singer Neway Debebe from DC (Artist's Team Captain), Singer Yohannes "Johnny B" Berhanu from LA, ESFNA P. R. Officer and organizer of this event Zecharias Getachew, ESFNA Tournament Coordinator Tamrat Mamo, ESFNA President Dawit Agonafer, Tournament Line Referee, Center Referee Comedian/Activist Tamagn Beyene, Tournament Guest of Honor Olympian Geremew Demboba and Guest Ambassador Ahadu a former journalist.

Left to Right
VOA's Addisu Abebe who was the Captain of the Journalist's Team, (in the background: ESFNA P. r. Officer Zecharias Getachew), Artist Teddy Afro, who scored the first goal for the Artist's side; he had 3 goals for the game.

ESFNA 2006 CLOSING CEREMONY
THE BIGGEST ETHIOPIAN STARS IN ONE PLACE!
July 8, 2006

4th of July Fireworks
June 30, 2006

The Coliseum is the official Los Angeles City location of its 4th of July fireworks. Plan to attend the fireworks after the game. This is an added bonus of attending the games, please make sure you pass this information to all your friends and family in Los Angeles and make sure you get there early so you don't have a problem of finding parking since Los Angeles residents will also be there for the show.

VENDORS SETUP IS ON SATURDAY AT NOON
AT THE L.A. COLISEUM
June 29, 2006

Both food and dry goods vendors must be present on Saturday July 1, 2006 at noon in order to recieve their booth and start setting it up for the remainder of the afternoon.

For more information:
ESFNA Business Manager
Mr. Haile Tefera
business.manager@esfna.org
713-875-1881

GOLD MEDALIST CARRIES TORCH FOR KICK-OFF
23rd ANNUAL ETHIOPIAN  
SOCCER AND CULTURAL EXPO
AT THE LOS ANGELES COLISEUM

The Ethiopian Sport Federation of North America (ESFNA) will launch a week-long soccer tournament and cultural expo with the igniting of the Olympic flame by Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist, Fatuma Roba, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Stadium on Sunday, July 2nd at 5:00 p.m. 

The Ethiopian Marathon Group (EMG) will light the Olympic torch and begin running in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax located between Pico and Olympic Boulevards.  They will pass the torch to Roba for the last mile.  She will light the flame at the Coliseum, marking the start of Ethiopian Cultural Week.  Roba captured Africa’s first Olympic women’s marathon gold medal at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

Now in its 23rd year, ESFNA prepares a week-long soccer tournament and cultural expo annually in major U.S. and Canadian cities.  Over 50,000 Ethiopians are expected to attend the event, traveling from all corners of America, Canada, Europe, Israel and Ethiopia.  The event features sports, cultural, culinary and art shows.  The full schedule of events includes:

Sunday, July 2:  5:00 p.m. - Opening ceremony, team marches and dignitaries welcomed

Monday, July 3:  10:00 a.m. Soccer matches and other events

Tuesday July 4:  10:00 a.m. Soccer matches, July 4th celebrations, fashion show and other events

Wednesday, July 5:  9:00 a.m. Soccer matches, children’s soccer #l East vs.
West Game #1

Thursday, July 6:  9:00 a.m. Soccer matches, Tilahun Gessesse concert, Ethiopian Conf. Pt. 1, Artists vs. Journalist, black-tie business mixer

Friday, July 7:  Ethiopian Day, dignitaries schedule to attend include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, political leaders Karen Bass, Yvonne Burke, Herb Wesson, Bernard Parks, Mark Ridley-Thomas and more.  Other events include Quarter Final Matches, Teddy Afro Concert, Children’s Soccer #2, East vs. West Game #2, Ethiopian Conference Pt. 2

Saturday, July 8:  8:00 a.m. Championship games, 1 p.m.; Award Ceremony, 5 p.m.; Closing Ceremony with many Ethiopian singers

The community is invited to participate in all activities.  For further information – times and locations -- go to the official website:  http://www.ethiola3.com/events.html.

June 27, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
ROZ STEVENSON PUBLIC RELATIONS
Ph:  (323) 296-6612  - E-mail:  rozstevenson@aol.com

ESFNA FOOD VENDORS ORIENTATION
COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY
June 28, 2006

With orientation given by Los Angeles Health Department representatives and ESFNA Business Manager, all the food vendors have been informed and educated on the proper health matters associated to serving food commercially to the public. With the successful completion of the orientation, ESFNA has secured a permit for their week's activity on behalf of its vendors.

Fregenet Foundation - Fundraiser
Win: Free Ticket to Addis, iPod & more...
June 26, 2006

The Fregenet Foundation has launched its second round fund raising activity to support the Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat School’s upcoming school year. Ethiopian Airlines has once again generously sponsored this effort by donating a roundtrip ticket from Washington, DC to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to be raffled off.

The board at The Fregenet Foundation would like to take this opportunity to thank our national carrier for again supporting our fund raising efforts.

The sale of raffle tickets has already begun and will also be available from July 2 to 8, 2006 at the Coliseum during the annual Ethiopian soccer tournament. The raffle drawing date is set for September 17, 2006.


• 1st prize: Round Trip Air Ticket from DC to Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
• 2nd prize: iPod
• 3rd prize: Weekend getaway for two nights at the Hilton Hotel

The winning tickets will be announced on our web site right after the conclusion of the fundraising event.

To order tickets, contact us at 213-625-1867 or email us at info@fregenetfoundation. The price for a raffle ticket is $5. Make checks or money order payable to The Fregenet Foundation.

To follow up the event or other activities of the foundation, please go to our web site at http://www.fregenetfoundation.org.


The Fregenet Foundation

ESFNA RADIO
June 23, 2006

40 minutes; 35 MB (size); 3 minutes to download
Broadcast date: June 16, 2006

Show Description:

Interview with Teddy Afro, Neway Debebe and Reporter Addisu Abebe - Not to be missed!

Listen to it here: [ click to play - June 23.mp3 ]

Immigration Town Hall Meeting
on Sunday June 25, 2006
June 21, 2006

This is a reminder that the Immigration Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by State
Assemblyperson Karen Bass and Co-Sponsored by Ethiopian-American Advocacy
Group (EAAG) will be held this coming Sunday June 25, 2006. Below is the venue
and time. This is an issue that is very important to our community and the
Town Hall Meeting is being held specifically to address immigration issues
that specifically pertain to our community. It is imperative that we have
maximum turnout as the Event will be covered by prominent news media like ABC,
NBC etc. Please call your friends and family to attend the Event as well as
forward the information for the Town Hall Meeting to as many people as
possible.

Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES)
5931 W. 18th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(Between La Cienega Blvd. and Fairfax Ave.)

Hilton LAX - SOLD OUT!
Marriott LAX - SOLD OUT!
Westin LAX - SOLD OUT!
................... now Radisson LAX - READY $69/day
June 21, 2006

After 3 hotels Hilton LAX, Marriott LAX and Westin LAX sold out 11 days before the 23rd annual ESFNA event in Los Angeles, ESFNA has secured for the unprecedented time a fourth (fifth on the way) hotel Radisson LAX at the same great rate.

Please go here and reserve your rooms before this hotel fills up! ( click here to for Radisson LAX )

ESFNA Weekly Radio - June 16, 2006

27 minutes; 24 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: June 16, 2006

Show Description:

• Interview with ESFNA President Dawit Agonafer
• ESFNA Membership & Rewards
• ESFNA Scholarships ...

Listen to it here: [ click to play - June 16.mp3 ]

Hilton LAX - SOLD OUT!
Marriott LAX - SOLD OUT!
................... now Westin LAX - READY $69/day
June 14, 2006

After 2 hotels Hilton LAX and Marriott LAX sold out 20 days before the 23rd annual ESFNA event in Los Angeles, ESFNA has secured for the unprecedented time a third hotel Westin LAX at the same great rate.

Please go here and reserve your rooms before this hotel fills up! ( click here to for Westin LAX )

Mandatory Food Vendors Orientation
June 11, 2006

All food vendors are invited to the Tuesday, June 27, 2006 mandatory orientation at LAX Hilton from 10am to 3pm where Public Health officials from LA and ESFNA would give you a vital orientation.

Mandatory
Food Vendors Orientation
Tuesday, June 27
10am - 3pm
LAX Hilton

All those working behind the booth must attend, not only the people who applied and won for the vending rights. Please wear a business casual or business outfit. Bring a notebook and pen to write notes. ESFNA Business Manager will be attending and leading the orientation meeting.

For more information:
ESFNA Business Manager
Mr. Haile Tefera
business.manager@esfna.org
713-875-1881

June 7, 2006

18 minutes; 16 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: June 7, 2006

Show Description:

• Interview with Tilahun Gessesse

Listen to it here: [ click to play - June 7.mp3 ]

Organizing Committee Meeting
June 10 @ 11am

We are requesting a meeting with Organizing Committee Members on June 10th
at 11:00 a.m at Messob restaurant. The purpose will be to update you on our
progress, go over schedules and assignments.

Please know that as a volunteer you are expected to assist during the event
period as needed, especially during opening day, Ethiopian Day and closing
day. If you are able to volunteer, please bring two photos to the meeting to
be used for your week- long pass during the event.

LA3 and ESFNA appreciate your assistance!

Samson Mulugeta

ROAD TO L.A. !
May 29, 2006

All across American there were many regional conference games held, as they prepare themselves for LA July 2-8, 2006. Regional games were held in the West, Midwest, South, North & East and the results are in....

ESFNA RADIO
May 26, 2006

29 minutes; 26 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: May 26, 2006

Show Description:

• Information for ESFNA Soccer Players
• ESFNA rules FIFA or other rules?
• Joining and Leaving a team as a player...

Listen to it here: [ click to play - May 26.mp3 ]

ESFNA AMHARIC PRESS RELEASE
May 20, 2006

ESFNA RADIO
May 20, 2006

24 minutes; 16 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: May 19, 2006

Show Description:

• Interview with LA3, ESFNA 2006 Local Organizor's public relations representatives Fassil Abebe and Martha Negash

Listen to it here: [ click to play - May 20.mp3 ]

ESFNA RADIO
May 13, 2006

ESFNA's 2006 Radio weekly radio.
32 minutes; 2 parts 29 MB (size); 2 minutes to download
Broadcast date: May 12, 2006

Show Description:

• Review of the past 2 weeks ESFNA Activity
• Interview with guest of honor: Geremew Demboba direct from Ethiopia

Listen to it here: [ click to play part 1 - May 12_1.mp3 ]
Listen to it here: [ click to play part 2 - May 12_2.mp3 ]

ETHIOPIA REPRESENTED IN THE DALLAS, TX THE WORLD MASTERS CUP
May 12, 2006

The World Masters Cup is a world class international event that takes place in Dallas, Texas. since 1996 with different names.

It is in an invitational tournament in the style of the World Cup, and some of the players that have been part of the World Masters Cup include: Paulo Silas, Jorginho and Careca (Brazil) Fabian Basualdo, Diego Sogora and Gustavo Dezotti (Argentina) Daniel;Travieso; Guzman, Jose Luis Salgado (Mexico) Ben Iroha (Nigeria) etc.

This year Ethiopia will be part of this Tournament and the tournament is sponsored by the Dallas Ethiopian Community, ESFNA ALUMNI (www.esfnaalumni.com ) and Dallas Ethiopian Business owners.

For the last ten years we have been at the stadium just to watch game but this year our country ETHIOPIA will be among 17Counties and our Flag is going to be at the Stadium for the next ten Days.

For more information. go to www.esfnaalumni.com link to World Masters Cup click Country. First Game Saturday May 13 at 10:00am, Ethiopia Vs. Colombia Second Game Sunday May 14, at 8:30pm 2006 Ethiopia Vs. Argentina For more Information Call Muluget Webet at 214-532-3205 or Kiros W. Selassie 972-272-6172

FOOD VENDOR LOTTERY - SUCCESSFUL !
May 1, 2006

The well attended lottery went successfully; with 22 winners chosen and 5 substitutes asked to be on standby. All in all there will be 29 food booths for ESFNA 2006 attendants...

Left to Right: Mr. Zecharias Getachew ESFNA Public Relations Officer, Mr. Dawit Agonafer ESFNA President, Mr. Kassa Kuma ESFNA Internal Auditor and young Dagim Fassil (son of EthioLA3 member Fassil Abebe) picking the name of a food booth lottery winner. Photo by: Irene Fertik

Former ESFNA President Berhanu Woldemariam, who resides in Addis Ababa now, was present among the attendants at the food vendors' lottery as a witness. Photo by: Irene Fertik

Residents of Los Angeles, present for the food vendors' lottery. Photo by: Irene Fertik

ESFNA Mr. Tedla Gessesse recivieng booth payments from lottery winners. Photo by: Irene Fertik

Click here to see more pictures from the lottery event..... >>

ESFNA RADIO & VENDOR LOTTERY ON APRIL 29
Apr 24, 2006

ESFNA's 2006 Radio weekly radio.
24 minutes; 21.6 MB (size); 2-3 minutes to download
Broadcast date: April 21, 2006

Show Description:

• Discussion regarding April 29th Food Vendor Lottery. 65 Applications received and 22 available spots.
• Guest: Haile Tefera, Business Manager of ESFNA.

Listen to it here: [ click to play ESFNA_April22.mp3 ]

The food vendors' lottery will be held on April 29th, 2006 at the LAX Hilton, on

5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045.  Applicants that have made the $30.00 application fee will be eligible to be in the drawing.  The lottery is ONLY for applicants that have registered as FOOD and Beverage Vendors. 

Food vendors should come prepared to sign a contract with ESFNA and also make $3000.00 permit fee, should they win the lottery.  Also, I will go into greater detail about general ESFNA vending policies and experience before the drawing. 

Food vendors should be there in person, or have a representative present to be eligibile for the lottery.

Dry Goods vendors can come and pay for the permit fee during the lottery. Out of town Dry Goods vendors DO NOT need to be present at the lottery.  You can just send your payments to,

ESFNA
POBOX 2266
Portland, OR 97208-2266

There will be NOT be a Dry Goods vendors lottery. 

All local non-profit groups that have registerd for a space with us should come with your non-profit credentials.  I will also go over our non-profit policy during the lottery. 

Thank you for your interest to partner with us in LA.  Look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or phone number, 713-875-1881.

Haile Tefera
ESFNA, Business Manager

MELKAM FASSIKA
Apr 21, 2006

ESFNA RADIO
Apr 15, 2006

ESFNA's 2006 Radio weekly radio. Listen to it here: [ click to play ESFNA_April15.mp3 ]

ESFNA 2006 POSTER
Apr 17, 2006

LITTLE ETHIOPIA TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Apr 15, 2006

Please read below or download on the right information on the Little Ethiopia name trademark. For your information any t-shirts, hats or products displaying the name "Little Ethiopia" without the consent of the EAAG is illegal and would subject you to legal action. Please read on to find out more here >>

TILAHUN GESSESSE - COMING TO LA!
Apr 13, 2006

Famous Ethiopian Musician and now Humanitarian Tilahun Gessesse will be attending ESFNA 2006 in Los Angeles. Everyone in the LA3 organizing committee are very excited by the news of his attendance.

Visit the website for more information that would be added in the near future; in the mean time listen to Tilahun's interview given to "Addis Live" [ click here to play http://www.addislive.com/content/blogsection/4/41/ ] Also visit Tilahun's page: www.tilahungessesse.com/

ESFNA RADIO COMMERCIAL RELEASED
Apr 13, 2006

ESFNA's 2006 Radio Commercial to be played at radio stations found in US and Canada was released today. Listen to the English and Amharic audio file here: [ click to play ESFNA_2006.mp3 ]

ESFNA EC VISITS LA3 & LOCAL ORGANIZORS
Apr 8, 2006

ESFNA Executive Members - President Dawit Agonafer, Business Manager Haile Tefera, Public Relations Zecharias Getachew and Tournament Coordinator Tamirat Mamo visited Los Angeles over the weekend. On Saturday April 8, 2006 they held a meeting with the local ESFNA 2006 Organizing Committee and LA3 members at the Hilton LAX for a 3 hour to address progress so far and chart what needs to be done in the next 80 days to make ESFNA 2006 a standout.

Photo (left to right): Tamirat Mamo, Tournament Coordinator; Zecharias Getachew, Public Relations; Haile Tefera, Business Manager; Dawit Agonafer, President

The 4 Executive Committee Members apart from holding the meeting on Saturday, April 8th looked to and addressed issues with the Los Angeles 2006 event. The EC members met with local Ethiopian Business Owners, met with Coliseum officials to review the booth layouts and handled other various events.

The EC Committee also announced the Food Booth will have a lottery pick held in Los Angeles on the weekend of April 29th. Stay tuned here for exact time and location of the lottery pick.

ESFNA - 2006 BOOKLET
Mar 28, 2006

The 2006 ESFNA Booklet is ready to go into publication soon, we invite all to read below:

Dear Advertisers:

Every year ESFNA prepares a Tournament Brochure filled with pertinent information on the Federation, the upcoming tournament, events surrounding the tournament and advertisements on businesses in the host city.

The Atlanta 2005 Tournament Brochure was printed on a 4.5 x 11 full-color booklet. A sample of its content includes: Letter from the President of ESFNA, Dawit Agonafer, Message from the Mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable Shirley Franklin, 2005 Game Schedule and a number of advertisements from Atlanta’s business establishments.

ESFNA is preparing to publish the ESFNA 2006 LA Tournament Brochure. The Federation is contacting businesses in the LA area to invite them to participate by advertising in the booklet. Businesses interested in exposing their establishments to tens of thousand potential customers throughout the United States, please feel free to contact ESFNA.

The Benefits of Advertising on ESFNA 2006 LA Brochure:

1. The ESFNA Tournament Brochure will be published by first week of May 2006 and will be distributed for free throughout the United States introducing your business long before tournament attendees arrive in LA;
2. The Brochure will continue circulating for free to the thousands of tournament attendees during the tournament giving them access to your advertisement throughout the week;
3. Due to the Brochure’s quality of work and souvenir value, your advertisement will continue as reference long after ESFNA 2006;
4. In Addition to the ESFNA Tournament Brochure, a driving direction to your business will be placed on the Federation’s website (www.esfna.org);
5. ESFNA plans to print up to 20,000 copies of the brochure which will give your business unprecedented exposure;
6. And More….

How Much Does It Cost to Advertise?

1. A Full-Page Ad (4.5 x 11) will cost $700.00
2. A Half-Page Ad (4.5 x 6.5) will cost $500.00
3. A Quarter-Page Ad (2.25 x 3.25) will cost $400.00

Is Advertising Limited to LA Area Businesses?

ESFNA Tournament Brochure advertisement is open to everyone.

When Is the Deadline?

May 20, 2006 is the last day we will accept payment and details of your advertisement.

For more information, please contact the Federation’s Public Relations Director Mr. Zecharias Getachew at 612-685-7705 or public.relation@esfna.org

Successful EthioLA3 Mixer Party
Mar 28, 2006

The March 25th first time ever mixer of the 3 teams was a hit; with a large attendance and night full of fun and activities. EthioLA3, would like to thank all of you for going above and beyond to make sure this event was a success and fun and refreshing event for the Los Angeles area Ethiopian Community.

We Thank you for all your effort. The Organizing Committee.

Game Schedules Posted on Website
Mar 20, 2006

ESFNA 2006 game schedules have been released and posted on EthioLA3.com here at: http://www.ethiola3.com/match_schedule.html. Please visit it and print a copy for your trip.

ESFNA Food Vendors Selection
Feb 27, 2006

ESFNA in the middle of April will select food vendors to work in the coming 2006 event. all food applicants need to be a resident of the Los angels area. ESFNA will select food vendors by the lottery system in front of invited community members, organizing committte members and all applicants. all applicants must pay the 30 application fee to enter in the lottery drawing.

ESFNA will announce the lottery date in the coming weeks. See you soon in LA! Haile
business Manager -ESFNA (read post).

First Local Organizing Committee Meeting
Feb 26, 2006

25 members of the community met with the members of LA3. The 25 members were comprised of business community, church group, children's activities, community activists and others.

Members of EthioLA3 are excited to be working with these exceptional individuals. We look forward to their ideas and involvement in the many committees that have been setup to ensure a successful ESFNA 2006.

LA3 Mixer Party for Sat, March 25, 2006
Feb 15, 2006

First time ever! The three Los Angeles area Ethiopian soccer teams LA Bekila, LA Dallol, LA Stars invite you to their joint mixer party.

What: LA3 Mixer Party

When: Saturday, March 25, 2006

Where: Korea Church Hall (corner of Fairfax & Pico in Little Ethiopia)

Who: 4 Headliners and a DJ
- Hana Shenkute from Washington, DC
- Johnny B of Los Angeles, CA
- Ambachew from Washington, DC
- Alemayehu of Los Angeles, CA
- DJ Fubu of Los Angeles, CA

Why: Kick Off party to ESFNA 2006

Tickets are available for sale at local Ethiopian Restaurants and ESFNA office located on Fairfax Avenue in Little Ethiopia.

ESFNA Hotel - HILTON LAX, book your room!
Feb 23, 2006

Hilton Los Angeles Airport (web)
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Tel: 310-410-4000 
Fax: 310-410-6250

- - - - - - RATES - - -- - -

Room | Single or Double $69 /Night

Book by June 25th

Rate good through July 01 - 09, 2006

- - - - - - RESERVATIONS - - -- - -

By phone: 800-445-8667

Reservation code: ESFNA

Reserve online (click here) :
(you'll be sent to through ESFNA's website)

EthioLA3.com Launched
Jan 1, 2006

Ethio LA3 has launched its much anticipated website www.EthioLA3.com; to help participants plan their trip to ESFNA 2006 in LA and also to maximize their experience once they arrive.

Ethio LA 3 chose Ethio Networks to design and manage our new website. Ethio Networks is an established web site design and managing firm that serves small-mid sized Ethiopian businesses worldwide.

Our new website features a unique and one of a kind information location that has not been seen at any past ESFNA events. The website which will be available 6 months in advance of the event will facilitate attendees experience by setting a place where its easy to centrally pass information; but also website visitors can talk to each other in hunting the best travel deals and catching up on the latest Ethiopian soccer news. Thanks for visiting us online. We look forward to see you at ESFNA 2006 in Los Angeles.

Little Ethiopia Day Celebrations
Nov 27, 2005

EthioLA3 operated a booth at the Little Ethiopia Day Celebrations held all day on Fairfax Avenue on Nov 27, 2005. The day featured renowned comedian Tamagn as the Master of Ceremony and had distinguised guests from local state government and chambers of commerce.

EthioLA3 passed out flyers about the upcming ESFNA 2006 event in Los Angeles, and informed the public on activities that are under way.

ESFNA LA PRESS RELEASE
Oct 28, 2005

ESFNA, Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America, conducted its semi-annual General Meeting in Los Angeles, California on October 8 and 9, 2005. The Federation had its semi-annual meeting at the Hilton Hotel LAX Airport. The 27 Board of Directors or official representatives of the 27 member clubs were present along with ESFNA’s 9 Executive Committee members. read full >>

Letter to Ethiopians & ESFNA
from Los Angeles Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa

Letter to Ethiopians & ESFNA
from Congressional Caucus on Ethiopia and Ethiopian-Americans's chairperson Congressman Mike Honda

Letter to Ethiopians & ESFNA
from Los Angeles City Council Member Herb Wesson Jr.

LA3 thanks Residents of Los Angeles for attending the Lottery!

The well attended lottery went successfully; with 22 winners chosen and 5 substitutes asked to be on standby. All in all there will be 29 food booths for ESFNA 2006 attendants... read more >>

May 1 , 2006
Ethio LA3

LA3 thanks Organizing Committee :

Residents of Los Angeles, On behalf of LA3, we would like to thank all the participants who were present at our meeting with the ESFNA EC on April 8th. The Executive Committee (EC) were quite impressed with the enthusiasm of our participants and the quality of the discussions. read more >>

Apr, 2006
Ethio LA3

Hana Shenkute, Johnny B, Alex Mekonnen & Ambachew:

EthioLA3, would like to thank all of you for going above and beyond to make sure this event was a success and fun and refreshing event for the Los Angeles area Ethiopian Community.

We Thank you for all your effort. We also thank DJ Fubu and Mega LA Productions for their effort and making the event a success.

Mar 28, 2006
Ethio LA3

Ethiopian Advocacy Group:

EthioLA3 appreciates very much, the guidance and help in acquiring resources around Los Angeles for the weeklong event. Their continued help is very appreciated and we are very thankful for their help.

Feb, 2006
Ethio LA3

Little Ethiopia Business Owners:

Members of the Little Ethiopia Business District in their support of the 3 LA Ethiopian teams in the past years, and their continued cooperation with EthioLA3 as it works to make ESFNA 2006 in LA an outstanding event.

Dec 20, 2005
Ethio LA3

LA Colesium Governers :

EthioLA3 appreciates very much, the flexibility and effort put forth by governers of LA Colesium during our bid efforts to host ESFNA 2006. We look forward to working with them leading up to the event and during the event.

Aug 27, 2005
Ethio LA3