*Eritrean Cyclist and Eritreans in Richmond Win Big*
*Amanuel Biedemariam*
On Friday September 25, in a cool cloudy morning with occasional drizzles
misting the environment and winds blowing; Eritreans from all around the US
ascended on-to Richmond, Virginia, to support Eritrean cyclists that
participated at the UCI Road World Championship.
The event will stand as one great achievement for the Diaspora Eritrean
community that came out in large number to support Eritrea’s elite riders
Mekseb Debesay, and, under 23, Merhawi Kudus, Metkel Eyob, Yonas Tekeste
and Manuel Gebregziabiher.
Usually, trying to explain the makeup, psyche, and collective excitement
about everything Eritrea to other nationals is at-times difficult. On
Friday September 25-27, however, Eritreans did not have to explain.
Eritreans surprised the participants and organizers in ways they did not
anticipate.
Eritrea came and took over the sleepy power house, capital to one of the
most important states of the union, Virginia. Eritreans were all over the
city of Richmond in large numbers adorned with Eritrean flag, T-shirts,
Scarves and, banging on the traditional Kebero (drums) through the entire
road-course and the finish-line at The World Championship.
A grandmother, Weizero Kidan with her daughter Helen Debrezion and
granddaughter Semrai from Atlanta, a grandfather with his sons, Sunny from
Oakland, friends from Seattle are amongst Eritreans that participated from
afar. Groups from the surrounding states like Philadelphia and Boston came
by busses. Some flew from the Midwest states like Michigan. The majority
came from the surrounding Metro DC Area. And when asked why you traveled to
Richmond, they answered, we will not miss it for anything.
The simple fact that Eritrea participated in the competition is a victory
in itself. But when one adds the benefits and its implication it becomes
one incredible achievement for the athletes, for the Eritrean Diaspora
communities and above all Eritrea, the nation.
To understand the magnitude one must look at the level of competition, the
international nature of the UCI Road World Championship and its global
reach. Elite cyclists from around the world participate in this event. This
is an important event that shuts-down sizeable part of downtown Richmond
for nine days. It attracts major cycling convention held in the convention
center where the latest cycling gear is displayed and the state of Virginia
promotes “Virginia is For Lovers” message to attract the young. It is a
great international cycling event that handful nations that pass through
rigorous cycling tests can participate. Out of 54 African countries only
five participated and most are Eritreans.
As a supporter it is easy to be engulfed by emotions and lose sight of the
big picture. But this is an event that Eritrean Diaspora can be proud to
have participated in the manner and ferocity that they have.
At a time when the world is divided, when across the globe nationalism is
overtaken by individualism and, when big money has taken over; for new
comers, particularly cyclists from Africa with little or no support; it is
difficult to compete successfully. Eritreans however, have established a
new trend.
Cyclists from less developed nations lack the institutional structures and
resources necessary to compete at the level of UCI World Championships.
Years of experience, millions of dollars and unprecedented levels of
material as well as human resources are required to participate in these
events.
For example team France is staffed by thousands of professionals and
millions are spent for technical and logistical expenses. In addition the
sponsorship dollars involved is significant. Compare that to team Eritrea
that is only staffed by 7 and with limited resources.
While the above challenges could prove difficult to overcome, Eritreans
proved to the world that Africans can compete on a world stage
successfully. This is also an achievement for blacks worldwide that have
limited representation on this sport.
Why are Eritreans succeeding in a sport that is traditionally dominated by
the West and when they are facing many challenges?
Eritrean cyclists and the people of Eritrea found ways to flip the
traditional approach and created a path that works. This is a unique path
that the rest of Africa can take to heart and replicate. The success that
was demonstrated in Richmond is a result of the collective effort of the
people of Eritrea that have learned how to collectively lift each other by
creating platforms used as steppingstones onto the next higher stages.
Recent athletic victories including, Daniel Teclehaimanot in tour
De-France, Ghirmai Ghebreselassie at 2015 IAAF World Championship
competition in Beijing, the youngest and first ever gold for Eritrea are
among the highlights.
These happens because of the determination of the government and people of
Eritrea that instill the can do attitude and empower them with the mindset
of self-reliance. Eritreans have the experience of making-do with whatever
they have while marching to success. These are dedicated, selfless and
committed individuals willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
But what makes the Richmond UCI event more special is because it represents
something more significant. For over seventy years, Eritreans have been
forced to face successive US administrations that challenged the existence
of Eritrea. One can convincingly claim that the US never embraced the
ambitions and aspirations of the people of Eritrea. Over the last 17years
especially, US attempts to nullify, suppress Eritrean identity was
unprecedented.
Eritrean Americans in the Diaspora faced tremendous scrutiny by the Bush
and Obama administrations. All attempts were made to discourage Eritreans
from supporting their people and government. The reality however, these
attempts strengthen the resolve of the people. The unmatched presence, the
unique affection and support Eritreans showed their cycling team is
therefore, an example that no one can put down the people of Eritrea. One
Eritrean man said,
“Eritreans are like smoke or potato. Smoke always finds a way-out and if
you bury a potato it grows in numbers. That is what Eritreans are,
unstoppable.”
For the first time in over 17 years, Americans were able to see and enjoy
Eritreans unfiltered away from the barrage of propaganda that is designed
to demonize Eritrea. Governor Terry McAuliffe shook hands with Eritreans as
he observed the event. Editors of black newspapers expressed their
solidarity and pride in the fact that blacks were represented gloriously.
The participants that came from all around the world for the competition
were enamored with the passion displayed by Eritreans and many posed for
pictures sharing the Eritrean flag. The manner in which Eritreans
participated was the biggest surprise of the event.
Eritrean cycling team participation in the UCI event was a gift and a boost
for Eritreans in the diaspora on many levels. In light of the fact that
Eritrea has been in the spotlight for youth flight and fabricated
maligning, it represented a welcome relief.
Eritreans have been trying to promote their nation but the battery of bad
news and the constant unwarranted travel warning by the State Department
was a serious impediment Americans that like to travel Eritrea. These
warning were designed to deter Americans and isolate Eritrea. The reality
however, Eritrea is a nation that has tremendous historic connection to the
US and amongst the safest places in the world to visit.
The cycling event was the kick that opened the doors wide open so Eritrean
flag can march right into the heart of America’s power center, Richmond. In
one weekend the whole cycling world was exposed to the people of Eritrea.
The UCI event was covered by over 500 media outlets and streamed live to be
seen by over 300million worldwide and through the entire road-course and
the finish-line Eritreans waving flags were visible in large numbers, soft
power at its best.
The vast number of Eritrean participants aroused the curiosity of many that
asked questions about Eritrea. The fact that Governor McAuliffe witnessed
large number of Eritreans in one event will serve as a reminder, that the
people that supported him to power are united and one. And, that he can
count on them on his next endeavor. One of the things that he promised when
he was running for office was to establish trade relations between Virginia
and Eritrea. Hope that he fulfills his promise.
The event was a reminder to all Eritreans that time and patience will
reveal truth and that people are more powerful and successful when united.
It is reminder to vast number of Eritrean Diaspora that stood with the
government and the people of Eritrea since the days of liberation struggle
what their reward looks like.
The UCI event was a moment where parents were able to bring their children
to witness fellow Eritreans compete on a world stage and instill pride in
them. It is a lesson for the youth that determination, dedication and hard
work always pay off. It was an opportunity to experience Eritrean role
models with love and for a purpose. And to witness the level of admiration,
love and affection the diaspora youth displayed towards the team was proof
that they are-in and that a lasting legacy is cemented. It also brought the
families closer in purpose.
Conclusion
At the heart, the main message out of all these is that Eritrea’s
trajectories are unbendable. During the farewell party in Sheraton
Arlington, Virginia, Tesfai Mehary (Fhira) sung his famous song from the
days of the armed struggle, Ketematat Koynu Measkerna. This song was
popular when battles raged all over Eritrea and the EPLF was taking city
over city in victory which means that “cities have become our garrisons.”
This time however, Fihira was singing that Richmond is another conquest, as
was Beijing…
Eritrea’s cycling achievement is proof that it is not hardware, money and
global position of power that propels nations to victory and determines
winners. It is grit, determination; it is the heart and unwavering united
vision. That is what represents Eritrea!
This is a hopeful beginning towards new era of US Eritrea relations. And
Eritreans managed to take full advantage by exposing the American public
the true nature of Eritrea. Hence, let this be a building block.
Eritreans in the Diaspora deserve tremendous praise for their commitment,
love, dedication and hard work. Eritrean community in Richmond deserves
thanks you for all the hard work to organize this sophisticated endeavor.
They came through.
Most importantly, thanks to Coach Samson Solomon. His message, “keep
supporting us.” Mechanic Biniam Asmelash for outstanding work while under
tremendous pressure.
And the leader of the team, Tagdalay Asmerom Habtemariam who said that,
Eritrea has a lot in the pipeline and we are not satisfied by participating
we want to compete and win. He also said he is very happy with the
patriotism and warm reception he received.
Awet N-Hafash
Awetnayu_at_hotmail.com
Received on Sun Oct 04 2015 - 00:05:38 EDT