Gezahegne Abera and Elfenesh Alemu know the challenges faced by the people of Ethiopia.   They both grew up in rural areas of Ethiopia as the children of pastoral farmers.  They ran to school everyday, and then ran home to work in the fields and help support their families.  Both discovered a special gift for running at a young age and began running competively during  their teenage years.  They began running at major national events barefoot, because they did not even own a pair of shoes.

In 2000 Gezahegne became the youngest person to win the gold medal in the Olympic Marathon.  He is also the only person to win the Olympics and the World Championships in the same year.  Elfenesh is also a rising star in the world of marathon, finishing 4th at the 2004 Olympic games, and 2nd in last year's Tokyo Marathon.

Gezahegne and Elfenesh are very passionate about the issues that Ethiopia faces, with an especially deep concern for the impact that HIV and AIDS is having there.  They are committed to helping make a difference.  Will you please join them by supporting their efforts?

You can make an online donation safely through this webpage

 or

You can sponsor a child in Ethiopia for $35 per month (less than what most of us spend on coffee or bottled water every month).  To request a child to sponsor in Ethiopia, simply e-mail your request to mchitwoo@worldvision.org and put Ethiopia Child Sponsorship in the subject line.  Include your mailing address as well.