The team at the Great Ethiopian Run, November 2010
The Simien Girl Runners team was formed in Spring 2008. Working with local schools and coaches in the Simien Mountains region in northern Ethiopia, Mr. Fantu Gola and his partners, who own and operate the Simien Lodge, an eco-lodge in this very remote and impoverished area, oversaw its organization and development. Ten girls were chosen from the hundreds who competed, and membership was based on not only athletic ability and promise, but also scholarship. All team members had to commit to staying in school and doing well at least through high school graduation. As of Fall 2010, one of the team members, Lem Lem Mulat, has already gone on to college at the University of Arbaminch in the Department of Engineering. The rest of the team was fortunate to be able to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run in November 2010. Four girls who were entered in the professional race placed very well!
Scroll down to see individual photos of the girls and information and pictures from visits to the Simien Girl Runners.
The team at the Great Ethiopian Run, November 2010
Simien Girl Runners, Spring 2010
Gaby Grebski and Kayla Nolan with the Simien Girl Runners in August 2009
The team in January 2009
The girls with Mr. Fantu Gola, team organizer/manager, in 2008
The team getting started in 2008
The team training in July 2008
Visit with GGRF board member Erin in September 2008
Visit with GGRF supporter and advisor Dr. Charles Teller in December 2008
The team participating in the Great Ethiopian Run in November 2010
Marco Degasper training with the team in December 2010 & January 2011
GGRF Advisory Board members Marco Degasper and Helen Bradshaw visit the team in November 2011
To help the Girls Gotta Run Foundation support this and other teams, you can make a donation via Paypal from the GGRF Donations page. You can also use www.goodsearch.com as your search and shopping engine, specifying Girls Gotta Run as the charity you support.
Return to Girls Gotta Run Foundation Home