The Somali National Olympic committee has on Wednesday distributed food aid to at least 40 former national team members of different sport and as well as old fans. The food aid distribution was carried out by the Somali NOC’s Famine relief aid program.

The president of Somali National Olympic committee Aden Hajji Yeberow who talked to the media alongside the food aid distribution process said that for the past several months Somali NOC has been working as a relief aid in the wake of the severe draughts in the country which forced millions to displace from the regions.

“I know that it had been better to reach you earlier, but our famine relief program has been coping with the follow of draught-displaced people coming to the capital and surrounding areas” the president said adding that Qatar Charity who is partner with Somali NOC has had a big role in this program.

“Today I am very happy that unforgettable faces who struggled for the development of Somali sports are in front of me and are sharing happiness with us–I am telling you that NOC will always be with you in all hard circumstances you experience” the Somali NOC president Aden Hajji Yeberow told a gathering during the food aid distribution.

For his part Senior Somali NOC vice president and Qatar Charity country director for Somalia Duran Ahmed Farah said that the former athletes had played a key role in defending the name and the flag of Somalia in international sports gatherings just decades ago and have the right to be remembered.

“Despite struggling with the draughts in the southern regions, Somali NOC is pledging here that it will continue such assistance program for the former sports legends, because they spent much time in holding up Somalia’s dignity a very long time ago–today’s step shows that Somali NOC is giving priority to the former sports legends” the Somali NOC senior vice president Duran Ahmed Farah Noted.

“Qatar Charity has helped us in implementing this aid program for the former legends–we thank the Charity for its role in the famine-hit Somalia and we hope that more other international aid organizations will understand the importance to help those who had name and publicity in Somali sport” Duran emphasized.

Former national football team striker in 1970s Abdi Ali Sheik (Abdi Kuus) thanked Somali NOC for its assistance. “This is what we were expecting from you and we hope it will continue “added Ahmadey Hilowle a former footballer in 1980s.

Mulki Nur Muudey the Somali National women’s basketball team top scorer in 1980s for her part said that the aid coincided with a time that there was much need and she was very grateful to the Somali National Olympic committee.

Somali NOC Media Department