Oromia Inaugurates 1.5 Billion Birr Sports Training, Research Institute

A sports training and research institute built by the Oromia regional government at a cost of over 1.5 billion Birr was inaugurated today.The institute named after the renowned Ethiopian athlete Derartu Tulu aims to bolster sports training and research.On the occasion, Oromia Regional State Chief Administrator Shimelis Abdisa said that the regional government is diligently developing sports alongside other sectors.According to him, the region is currently engaged in constructing sports venues and training centers.The institute has been under construction for 8 years since 2016, it was learned.The goal of the institute is not only producing qualified sports-persons competitive enough at the international level, but also adapting scientific methods to manage sports, Shimelis elaborated.The institute has the capacity to receive and train 800 athletes in 16 types of sports at a time.It also has athletes dormitories, coaches residences, teaching, research and study rooms, a modern gymnasium, and a ha ll that can accommodate 5,200 spectators.Besides, it comprises football, handball, volleyball, basketball, volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, running tracks, clinic and recreation centers.Built with a budget exceeding 1.5 billion Birr, the institute is expected to create permanent and temporary jobs for more than 350 people, the chief administrator said.The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, famous athletes and representatives of sections of the society.Source: Ethiopian News Agency