Oromo Sports Federation in north America

OSFNA Mission statement

The Oromo Sports Federation in North America (OSFNA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1995 to promote sports and cultural events within Oromo communities in North America. Our goals include providing positive role models for the youth, promoting goodwill among Oromo communities in North America and creating a bridge where Oromo people in North America can interact in a mutually beneficial manner. In addition to our sport events, the Federation also promotes cultural activities to provide opportunities for North Americans to learn more about Oromo culture and history.

History

In the early 90's, Oromo visionaries residing in the city of Toronto conceived the idea of an Oromo Sports Federation. It was named the Oromo Sport Federation in North America and the first tournament was held in 1996 in the city of Toronto, Canada with the participation of six clubs (Rissa of Minnesota, Madaa Walabuu of Seattle, Oromia of Toronto, Odaa of Scarborough, Barisaa of Atlanta, Georgia, and Bakalcha of Ottawa, Canada). A year later, the tournament was successfly held again in Minnesota with more clubs added to the family of OSFNA, and it was at this time elected officers assumed the responsibility of managing the Federation under a new format. A lot has changed since that time has happened. Perhaps the most significant of all was the adoption of operating by-laws, rules and regulation of the games and the establishment of a tax-exempt status.
Due to the increasing number of new teams that wanted to join OSFNA, an extensive study was conducted to identify ways to accommodate new member teams since time and logistic considerations had to be considered. With only one week for our tournament we decided to create two divisions. At this we have over 20 teams from all across North America.
Over the past several years, OSFNA has become a cultural and sports center for Oromos in North America. Every year more than twenty thousand Oromos and their friends spend one week in the host city by taking part in the sports, culture, concert, and other different Oromo organization meeting events for the enjoyment of Oromo people and friends. In the process, they spend thousands of dollars every year in the host city, making a major contribution to the local economy. In the very near future, OSFNA is planning to bring more variety of programs to its supporters by partnering with major corporations and non-profit organizations.

OSFNA, by virtue of its status is non-political and non-religious. We have adhered to this position all along because we are legally expected to take such a stance. Outside of the sports events, our contribution has been in connecting lost friends and relatives, networking and providing a medium for people to appreciate Oromo culture and heritage and taking initiatives to be part of development and humanitarian efforts in Oromia. In addition, it should be clear to that OSFNA creates the environment for all to participate in business, religious and other activities outside of OSFNA events.
Since its establishment, the OSFNA Annual Soccer Tournament has been a great venue for Oromos of all background to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. Among the main reasons for our guests for making their annual pilgrimage is the anticipation of meeting long-lost friends from previous years going back to childhood.