የቅርብ ጊዜ ዜናዎች

The Akaki Kality annual football tournament began with great enthusiasm as 32 teams from across the sub-city compete for the championship title. The opening ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, and hundreds of enthusiastic fans.

This year's tournament features teams from all 12 kebeles of Akaki Kality, with matches scheduled every weekend for the next two months. The tournament aims to promote sportsmanship, community bonding, and identify talented players for regional competitions.

Youth and Sports Office Director, Mr. Alemayehu Kebede, emphasized the importance of such events: "This tournament is not just about football. It's about bringing our community together, keeping our youth engaged in positive activities, and discovering new talent."

New this year is the inclusion of a women's division with 8 teams participating. "We're thrilled to see the growing interest in women's football in our sub-city," said tournament coordinator Ms. Selamawit Assefa. "This provides an excellent platform for our female athletes to showcase their skills."

The championship matches will be held at the newly renovated Akaki Central Stadium in August, with trophies and scholarships awarded to outstanding players.

Our office has launched a groundbreaking leadership development program specifically designed to empower young women in the community. The "Emerging Women Leaders" initiative aims to equip participants with essential leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, and networking platforms.

The six-month program will include workshops on public speaking, project management, financial literacy, and community engagement. Participants will also be paired with successful women leaders from various sectors for mentorship.

"We recognized a need to create dedicated spaces for young women to develop their leadership potential," said Program Director Ms. Genet Abebe. "This program will provide the tools and confidence they need to become change-makers in our community."

The inaugural cohort consists of 30 young women aged 18-25 selected through a competitive application process. The program includes both classroom sessions and practical community projects where participants will implement their learning.

Funding for the initiative comes from a partnership with the Global Women's Empowerment Fund, with plans to expand the program to reach more participants next year.

The long-awaited Akaki Central Sports Complex has officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone for sports development in our sub-city. The state-of-the-art facility features a FIFA-standard football field, Olympic-size running track, four basketball courts, and a modern fitness center.

At the grand opening ceremony, Mayor Ato Tewodros Gebremariam cut the ribbon, expressing his excitement: "This facility represents our commitment to youth development and healthy lifestyles. We're providing world-class infrastructure to nurture the next generation of athletes."

The complex also includes multipurpose halls for indoor sports like volleyball and badminton, meeting rooms for sports organizations, and a sports medicine clinic. The facility will host both community programs and competitive events.

Membership is available at subsidized rates for Akaki Kality residents, with special programs for students and senior citizens. The complex will operate from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with extended hours on weekends.

Construction of the $2.5 million facility was funded through a partnership between the city administration and the National Sports Commission. Future expansion plans include a swimming pool and tennis courts.