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The History of Swimming in Ethiopia

Although it is unknown when and where it started, it has believed that early swimming activities were in Ethiopia. In our country, the names of the types swimming were different depending on the area. Among these activities are; the most famous were the so-called side swimming; Portrait swimming and Gusgus swimming. History tells us that Ethiopians frequented these main types of swimming and the communities were use to cross-rivers, to make animals and to prepare for war.

It is believed that modern swimming was started in Ethiopia almost 50 years ago during the annual sports competitions of the armed forces. The swimming competitions started at a certain time in 1950 and 1951. It was been known for the armed forces swimming competitions held at Hora Lake and Air Force Swimming Ground in Bishoftu. As it can be understood from the history of swimming at the time, it is said that it was possible to learn modern techniques in swimming competition with sportsmen from different countries during the annual cadet graduation ceremony of the previous navy.
The above-mentioned swimming sport, which has been mostly preferred by the military section, has been able to make the sports clubs and the rest of the society participate widely, especially at

Gion Hotel swimming pool and other places, so opportunities have been created to improve the sport. This is especially true in 1970. Due to the efforts made by certain sports loving individuals to promote and expand the sport of swimming in our country in a modern way, gathering and
encouraging individuals and young swimmers who were going to swim at the Gion Hotel swimming pool in Addis Ababa established the Finfine Swimming Club for the first time. As the number of sports lovers is increasing on this occasion, it was said that regular competition activities have started due to the establishment of Swimming Sports Department, which has a legal position to organize sportsmen's clubs.

Establishment of the Ethiopian Swimming Federation Ethiopian Swimming department was been established at the departmental level during 1970 E.C. to organize clubs and conduct competitions at every level. After the Swimming Sports Department made to meet the requirements, it was been established as the Ethiopian Swimming Federation in March 1971. After the establishment of the federation, it strengthened its internal position and conducted some trainings and competitions in 1975. Then, became a member of the Federation International de Nation (FINA) and Confederation African Nation Aquatic (CANA), After it became a member, there were great efforts were made to promote and make popular among the society at that time. Realizing that Swimming can expand and gain popularity among the public, the Swimming lovers and competitors are going to be embraced by the organized institutions and had registered no less than 20 clubs in Addis Ababa Gion swimming pool, Ambo, Sodere, Bishoftu/Hora/, Waliso and other Cities that have swimming facilities to a certain extent, such as Bahardar, Awasana, Diredawa. It is known that swimming competitions and basic training were held at every level. Besides to regular swimming competitions, it was been known that “water polo” and “Diving” competitions was been taken place at club and national level.

In addition to this, from 1975 E.C. the swimming committee that was hunder Addis Ababa Sports Council, was going to organize competitions by involving many clubs, can be mentioned as an example at that time.
However, after some years, the activities of the Federation have been slow, although the reasons mentioned are different, it is clear that in order to expand and speed up the swimming sports in our country, it is important to facilitate the facilities, provide appropriate training and organize the clubs at every level. Its name previously was been known as the “Ethiopian swimming Federation”, but now its name has been changed to the “Ethiopian Aquatics Federation”.