Kenenisa Bekele Hails Addis Sports Park as Inspiration for the Next Generation of Ethiopian Champions

Addis Ababa, April 5, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian long-distance legend Kenenisa Bekele expressed pride and gratitude following the inauguration of Addis Sports Park, a world-class sports and recreational hub that honors the country’s Olympic heroes.

The 5.7-hectare facility, inaugurated yesterday by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, features an Olympic-standard swimming pool, professional football, basketball, handball, and tennis courts, an 800-meter running track, and modern indoor and outdoor gyms.

Community-oriented amenities include children’s playgrounds, sand-based pitches, a wellness center, and a 3,000-capacity plaza with restaurants and cafes.

To support local residents displaced by the development, the park also incorporates 105 commercial shops and a two-level basement parking facility for 300 vehicles.

At the heart of the park are statues of 15 Ethiopian Olympic gold medalists, including Kenenisa himself, immortalizing their achievements and inspiring future generations.

Reflecting on the inauguration, he said he had “always dreamed of seeing such a hub here in our country” and was “heartened to witness this milestone.”

Kenenisa added that being honored with a statue at the facility fills him “with gratitude and pride,” and expressed his sincere thanks to those who supported Ethiopian athletes, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, First Lady Zinash Tayachew, and Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie.

He emphasized that the recognition is not only personal but also a source of motivation for young athletes across the nation, stating, “This recognition truly inspires the next generation of Ethiopian champions.”

Integrated with the riverside green development project, Addis Sports Park demonstrates modern, multifunctional urban planning that combines elite sports, community recreation, and economic inclusion.

The park has been touted as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to urban renewal and public wellness, a vision reinforced by the government’s efforts to celebrate its Olympic heroes while fostering the next generation of talent.