Above: For the first time in the event’s 26-year history, the
annual Ethiopian Soccer Tournament is being hosted by the
city of Chicago this year. The 2009 event opened on June 28.

Tadias Magazine
Photos by Nolawi Petros

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Chicago (Tadias) – Ethiopians from across the U.S. are gathering in Chicago for the 2009 Soccer tournament.

The event, which also doubles as an annual cultural festival, celebrates its 26th anniversary this year. The Chicago festivities opened at Lane Tech Stadium on June 28th in the presence of this year’s guests of honor Ethiopian jazz musician Mulatu Astatke and others.

The annual event goes beyond sports entertainment, allowing families and friends in North America’s Ethiopian immigrant community to come together in celebration of both sports and their cultural heritage. The tournament weekend is a popular time for networking, alumni gatherings, small business catering, music performances, and reunion parties.

This is the first time the “Windy City” is hosting the event. Here are photos from the opening ceremonies. Stay tuned for more photos: by Nolawi Petros for Tadias.

Related from Tadias photo archives: 2008 D.C. Soccer Tournament




Above: Ababa Tesafye attended the event as guest of honor. He celebrated his
birthday on July 4th. The announcer did not mention the beloved children’s television
entertainer’s age. People familiar with Ababa Tesfaye say he does not know the year
he was born.

At the Ethiopians for Obama booth. We even spotted a vendor selling Obama Juice.





At the international Ethiopian Women Association booth.