A Successful Community

A Successful Community - Los Angeles, California

By Tsega Habte

To the organizing committee of this long awaited gathering, how did you make this event so successful? Never have we seen in one place a gathering full of so much love and excitement? It was so wonderful to see the smile and happiness in our children as they played. There is no better stamp of approval for an event than to hear the laughter of children as they have fun and the smile on their face to warm your heart.

It was nice to see children and youth meet their cousins, aunts, and uncles either for the first time, or become more familiar with faces they haven’t seen in a long time. For us adults it was a great meeting point to reconnect with old friends, extended family, and an introduction to new friends.

Time has gone by and people I hadn’t seen in over 20 years bring back good memories for me. The environment was friendly, humble, humane, and respectful, with brotherly and sisterly love; we all have a strong connection regardless of our differences. The Los Angeles 30th Annual Eritrean Sports Festival was a great success because of the organizers and volunteers who dedicated their time, resources, and talents. Above all they collaborated together and set the success of the event as their priority. We all reaped the benefits of their organization by enjoying a week of great fun because of their dedication. Their hard work and attention to detail paid off and we see the outcome of them working together from the great soccer matches, all the way down to the banners detailed, informative, and colorful brochures and fliers for the event. Also, the spectators, athletes, performers, musicians, and artists who came from all around the world and locally, to support and bring their enthusiasm, love, and talent made this even a success. We are all one big family reunited. The committee did an excellent job on promoting to the local community to attend and participate, so the community responded beautifully because the communication with the committee and community was flawless. The committee also did a great job, hosting the visiting attendees with informative brochures for tourist attractions, resources such as convenient hotels, and welcoming activities.

Although this was a sports event, what is an Eritrean gathering without food and music? Everyday there was great music to serenade and entertain us. The local Eritrean volunteers brought the heart of Eritrean cuisine to us with tasty, authentic zigani, tibbs, tumtumo (my favorite food), and engera, I’m getting hungry now. Let’s not forget the authentic Eritrean coffee and shahe (tea) with hambasha! It was so beautiful our mothers and older generations relaxing, drinking coffee and chatting, just as if they were back home. To see that, is breathtaking and it brought tears of joy to my eyes. The vendors, who came from out of state, converted the venue into an Eritrean market with their elegant outfits, souvenirs, flags, and little things that make us feel connected to our homeland. Last, but not least, the sports arena was absolutely gorgeous and inviting for the first class athletes of this soccer tournament. The children played and impressed us all, after all Soccer is in our blood as we all enjoyed growing up watching our families play and looked up to our famous and legendary soccer players which is a big part of our history. To all the players, thank you for your time, hard work, and for setting a good example to our younger generation on good sportsmanship and as an inspiration for being physically active to promote good health! I especially want to say Bravo to the Los Angeles Team female member, for making this a historic event as the only female soccer player as you are an inspiration to many little girls. Good luck to the teams playing tonight, and the soon to be champions this evening! To the organizing committee and volunteers I give you a standing ovation for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. You have made us all proud as the Los Angeles Eritrean-American community!

Happy 4th of July to All!!!