Hero’s welcome to the history maker
Eritrea celebrated the triumphant return of its cycling hero, Biniam Girmay, who won the Green Jersey for the Intermarché-Wanty Team at the 2024 Tour de France.
The event was marked by a grand ceremony in Asmara, where thousands of residents lined the streets to cheer for him.
President Isaias Afwerki welcomed Biniam Girmay to his office in Adi-Halo and conveyed a message of congratulations to Biniam’s family and the Eritrean people emphasizing that Biniam Girmay is a pride for his nation and people.
In a gesture of gratitude to the people and government of Eritrea, Biniam Girmay presented President Isaias Afwerki with the Green Jersey he won at the 2024 Tour de France.
Present at the meeting was Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports, members of the Eritrean Cycling Federation, veteran cyclists, and Biniam Girmay’s family.
A grand ceremony at Bahti Meskerem Square, attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and many nationals, showcased a variety of cultural and artistic performances.
The celebration highlighted Girmay’s achievements and the pride he brought to Eritrea, with many expressing their admiration for his character and success in the sport.
The Eritrean people, including President Afwerki, welcomed Bini with great pride and enthusiasm, reflecting the nation’s joy and pride in his accomplishments. [TN]
Official and Public welcoming ceremony for Biniam Girmay has just started from Asmara's International Airport.
Earlier in the morning, President Isaias welcomed Bini at his office in Adi Halo.
President Isaias conveyed a warm message of congratulations to the Eritrean… pic.twitter.com/Yt3Y7YsOiE
— Yemane G. Meskel 🇪🇷 (@hawelti) August 7, 2024
He's living his green dream 💚🥲 https://t.co/iAsdMbjxZ4
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) August 7, 2024
🇪🇷 🇪🇷 Rapturous reception for Biniam Girmay’s homecoming in Eritrea after becoming the first ever African to win the Green Sprinters Jersey at the Tour de France. A great victory for Eritrea and our entire African diaspora. Awet N’hafash! ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/5NgHAhh8jY
— Eugene Puryear (@EugenePuryear) August 7, 2024
#Eritrea: Bini's tumultous welcome - some of the graphic photos pic.twitter.com/Q6feoxgjwh
— Yemane G. Meskel 🇪🇷 (@hawelti) August 7, 2024
ASMARA ― Biniam Girmay of @IntermarcheW presented President Isaias Afwerki with the FIRST Green Jersey ever won by a black cyclist in the history of the Tour de France. #Eritrea #Cycling #History pic.twitter.com/i3vfiONKiY
— ⓉⓃ (@tesfanews) August 7, 2024
Today, Ambassador Li Xiang participated in an event to welcome Eritrean famous cyclist Biniam Girmay, the history maker, with the people of Eritrea ! This is a victory not only for the Eritrean people, but also for the whole African continent. pic.twitter.com/NakgfvCNgG
— Chinese Embassy in Eritrea (@ChinaEmbEritrea) August 7, 2024
A great celebration in Asmara today to welcome home @GrmayeBiniam, winner of three stages and the Green Jersey at the Tour de France @LeTour 2024! pic.twitter.com/yYiMwHRDQh
— David McIlroy (@david_mcilroy) August 7, 2024