ITTF Africa, Ethiopian Airlines sign ground-breaking agreement
Just three days after taking office, the newly elected African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Executive Council, led by President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has achieved a significant milestone in engaging the corporate sector. In a vibrant ceremony held at the Ethiopian Airlines Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Friday, October 18, the ATTF and Ethiopian Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), appointing Ethiopian Airlines as the Official Airline Partner of the continental body. The ATTF delegation, led by President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, included Mr. Tesfaye Bizane, Executive Vice President of Media and Public Relations, and Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Chief Operating Officer (COO). They were warmly received by Ethiopian Airlines representatives Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of ET-Holidays, and Mary Legesse, Senior Sales Manager of ET-Holidays. In his remarks, Oshodi expressed his gratitude to the airline’s management for their support of the 2024 ITTF Africa Senior Championships, which was held at the Ethiopian Sports Academy in Addis Ababa. “We want to express our sincere appreciation to the management of Ethiopian Airlines for their support of the 2024 Africa Senior Championships. We don’t take this for granted, and that is why we want to extend our partnership with the Pride of Africa. As a continental federation, we aim to become one of the leading sports in Africa and have decided to collaborate with the world’s leading airline by entering into this important partnership. We recognize the strength of the airline as a member of the Global Star Alliance, and for us at ATTF, we want to be identified with you. We hope and believe this will be a beneficial relationship for both parties,” Oshodi said. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, representing Ethiopian Airlines, expressed pride in the partnership and affirmed their support by offering attractive packages during major events for the continental body. “We are thrilled to collaborate with ATTF as the Official Airline Partner of the continental body. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline, dedicated to transporting thousands of people to more than 137 destinations worldwide. “Our partnership with ATTF not only strengthens our connection with Africa but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence. As the Pride of Africa, we are committed to youth development through sports, and table tennis being a global sport, we are excited to support ATTF in its vision. “We understand the crucial role sports play among our youths in Africa, and as an airline that prides itself as the gateway to Africa, we are willing to extend our partnership with ATTF by signing this MOU as a formal start to our long-lasting relationship. “With the MOU, we have now made it official that we will be the partner airline for ATTF events within and beyond Africa,” she said. Tesfaye Bizane, who is also the President of the Ethiopia Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), described the MOU as a promising start for the new ATTF executive, with more corporate bodies expected to join soon. “We are excited to start on a positive note and will continue to seek partnerships with more corporate bodies so that our sport can compete favourably with other major sports in Africa,” Bizane said.