The Administration of North Gonder Zone has invested 22.5 million Br in the construction of an athletics centre and small stadium in two towns.

The athletic centre, which is set to be built in Dabat town, will have a one-storey structure that rests on 7,500ha of land. The centre, which is expected to cost 7.5 million Br, will have 30 rooms for different purposes, a gymnasium, dining space and an entertainment hall. The athletic centres will have the capacity to accommodate over 400 athletes at once.

Zewdu Yohanes General Contractor, a local grade-five construction company that has been in business for a decade, was awarded the project that is set to be completed in six months. Fiseha Tesfaye Consulting, another local architectural firm, was hired to supervise the construction of the centre.

In the Zone there are 47 athletic clubs including Red Fox Athletics in the Janmora District, the Arada Dejan in Dabat District and Walia Athletics Team in Debark. Established five years ago, the teams have been participating at national championships and at tournaments in Africa and around the world.

However, the athletic teams have faced challenges finding facilities for training, according to Alelign Kassa, a sports team leader under the Social Development Department of North Gonder Zone.

"Building the centre is part of the strategic plan of the Zone to support athletic sports and athletes from the area to be successful at the national and global level," said Alelign.

The small stadium will be built in Debark town for 15 million Br. Expected to take five years, the stadium that rests on 10,000ha will have a standard track. It will also have a one-storey structure with 38 rooms for the administrative offices of the athletics federation.

The Zone is in the process of hiring a company for the construction of the stadium, according to Alelign.