Eritreans across UK displayed a spectacular support for the 18 Eritrean athletes at the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

Meadna news

Eritreans across UK including from Glasgow, Newcastle and London displayed a spectacular support for the 18 Eritrean athletes at the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Eritrean supporters traveled for over ten hours by coach, cars and vans to support their athletes. HE Tesfamicael Gerahtu, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland and Consulate General Mr. Selah Abdela were also present at the race and the celebration ceremony that was held during the evening.

Described as “the loudest, most colorful and enthusiastic fans in world athletics” by the British press, Eritreans added more color and enjoyment to the event dressed and decorated with Eritrean flags, loud cheering and traditional songs and dances.

After the race a remarkable evening of celebration was held. The very tough and tiring race did not deter the Eritrean athletes including Zersenay from joining their people at the celebration ceremony, which was organized by the Eritrean community in Scotland.

Followed by the official opening of the event, Ms. Meriyem Yasin, HE Tesfamicael Gerahtu, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland and Eritrea, and Coach Abebe Zerihun gave speech respectively. Ms. Meriyem thanked all those who made the event possible and highlighted the obstacles Eritrea has had to overcome.

HE Tesfamicael Gerahtu, described the race and the extraordinary support displayed by Eritreans as reminiscence of the values and symbols of Eritrean struggle. The ambassador also highlighted the strides that have been made and the road ahead on mekete sport.

Coach Abebe Zerihun on his part thanked all for Eritreans for showing strong support and said that Eritrea was now producing more Zeresenais. He also expressed the long delays and difficulties the athletes faced at the UK airport and some strong Eritrean athletes who were not able to take part in the competition due to visa restriction by the UK authorities. Zeresenai Tadesse finished 3rd and Eritrea stood third and won a bronze medal.