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The Oromo Sports Federation in North America, OSFNA, is set to make a grand return to the Washington, DC area after nearly 18 years with its highly anticipated annual festival and soccer tournament. The 2023 tournament, which will take place in Washington, DC, from July 22nd to July 29th at Montgomery Blair High School Stadium in Silver Spring, will be held under the theme “Summer of Yaadannoo,” aiming to provide an opportunity for Oromos to come together and remember their fallen heroes.
The tournament promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, with an array of exciting sporting events, star-studded concerts featuring notable Oromo music stars like Yanet Dinku, Gutu Abera, Kemer Yusuf, and the exhilarating Abebe Bikila Race. The tournament will also feature intense basketball competitions and the first-ever “OSFNA little league soccer” matches.
OSFNA is a non-profit organization that organizes an annual week-long festival and soccer tournament to celebrate Oromummaa and promote unity through sports among the Oromo diaspora. The festival brings together the Oromo diaspora from around North America and Europe in a spirit of inclusivity and togetherness.
Here are five key events and activities you should not miss:
The Ali Birra Trophy: At the heart of the tournament lies the prestigious Ali Birra Trophy, symbolizing honor and achievement in Oromo sports. Twenty-nine teams, comprising talented athletes from across North America, will battle fiercely to claim this coveted prize. A European team, from Norway, will participate in the tournament for the first time.
A Thrilling Race: The Abebe Bikila Race, named in honor of the legendary marathon runner, will be one of the highlights of the tournament. Participants will channel Bikila’s remarkable legacy, sprinting toward the finish line with determination and resilience. This thrilling race is expected to draw a large crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with cheers and encouragement.
Youth Soccer Tournament: The OSFNA tournament also features an exciting, first-of-its-kind youth soccer tournament, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for the beautiful game. The youth tournament offers an opportunity for the next generation of Oromo soccer players to shine and meet and socialize with other peers in the community. It nurtures talent, encourages teamwork, and inspires a lifelong love for the game and Oromo cultural heritage.
Celebrating Oromo Culture and Heritage: The weeklong tournament not only highlights the sporting prowess of the growing Oromo diaspora youth but also celebrates Oromo culture and heritage. The local Oromo youth will give vibrant performances showcasing traditional music, dance, fashion, and comedy shows will immerse attendees in the richness of Oromo traditions, fostering cultural pride and unity. The star-studded nightly concerts featuring renowned Oromo music stars, including Gutu Abera and Kemer Yusuf, will provide exhilarating performances that resonate with the audience, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Uniting Communities and Fostering Belonging: The OSFNA tournament serves as a unifying force, bringing together the Oromo diaspora from around North America and Europe in a spirit of inclusivity and togetherness. It provides a platform for friends, families, and supporters to unite, cheer for their teams, and honor Oromo heroines and heroes. Through sports, cultural celebrations, and shared experiences, this event strengthens bonds and nurtures a sense of belonging among individuals and communities.
By showcasing the best of Oromo talent and cultural heritage, the OSFNA tournament fosters unity, pride, and lasting connections within the Oromo diaspora. The OSFNA annual tournament’s arrival in the DMV area marks a momentous celebration of Oromo sports, culture, and unity.
For accommodations and to learn more about partnering with or becoming an OSFNA sponsor, please email the organizers at myosfna@gmail.com. Connect with OSFNA on social media: https://twitter.com/myosfna or https://www.instagram.com/myosfna
To purchase tickets in advance, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/osfna-2023-summer-of-yadanno. More information can be found on the official tournament page: https://www.osfna.org/osfna2023
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