By TesfaNews,
An Eritrean website meskerem.net has reported that 15 years old Eritrean-Canadian downhill ski racer, Shannon Abeda, will represent Eritrea for the first time at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria from the 13th till the 22nd January 2012.
Young Shannon was born and raised in Canada has only been in his native country Eritrea at the age of six.
Eritreans all over the world are expressing their gratitude towards this young fellow who single handedly put his country Eritrea on the map of the first winter Youth Olympic Game competition.
On January 13, Eritreans will rejoice in unison as young Shannon waves the Eritrean flag during the opening ceremony.
He is expected to race in a discipline called Alpine Skiing that includes Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G, Combined and the Mixed Parallel Team Event. Slalom skiing, for example, demands a great deal of acrobatic skill, forcing racers to perform tight, controlled turns on mostly steep terrain.
According to meskerem.net, his circuit will include participations in the:
- Super-G Skiing – Jan 14
- Combined Skiing – Jan 15
- Giant Slalom Skiing – Jan 19
- Slalom Skiing – Jan 21
Shannon will be accompanied by his father Walday Abeda and his 20 years old sister, Feben Abeda, who was also a ski racer and ski coach, will take 10 days from her university studies to coach her baby brother Shannon during the Olympic Games.
Approximately 1100 athletes from over 60 countries are expected to compete.
Innsbruck will become the first city to host three Olympic events, having previously hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.
We wish young Shannon all the luck in the world as he is striving to make Eritreans from all walks of life so proud by his rare talent.
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