Former Banking operation officer at the Commercial bank of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia country coordinator at professional Disc Golf Association.
Yohannes Desalegn's journey in the disc golf world is indeed remarkable. As the founder of disc golf in Ethiopia, he has tirelessly worked towards introducing the sport to a wide range of individuals, from school children to adults. Through his efforts, tens of thousands of people have had the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement that disc golf brings.
Yohannes's dedication and passion for the game have not gone unnoticed. He has achieved numerous milestones, including organizing the first-ever PDGA event in Africa. This groundbreaking achievement not only put African disc golf on the map but also highlighted Yohannes's ability to bring people together for a common purpose. His commitment to uniting Africans through disc golf has rightfully earned him the esteemed PDGA 2018 Volunteer of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Beyond his role as the first Innova iDISC golf Ambassador, Yohannes has taken the lead in various disc golf projects and successfully secured grants from esteemed organizations such as PDGA, WFDF, and Innova. These grants have not only allowed him to promote the sport further but also ensured its growth and development in Ethiopia.
While Yohannes currently works as an internal controller at a bank and holds important positions such as the PDGA Ethiopia Country Coordinator and Innova disc golf Ambassador, he is in the process of transitioning to make disc golf his full-time occupation. With a strong educational background, including a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a BA in Management, and nearing completion of an MBA, Yohannes envisions a future where he can devote all his time and energy to sharing the love of the game with even more individuals. His ultimate goal is to foster the growth of disc golf in Ethiopia and create a vibrant community of dedicated players.
Yohannes's upbringing in a deeply Christian Ethiopian Orthodox family has instilled in him a profound sense of compassion and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the community. Inspired by his faith, he plans to combine his disc golf project with charitable efforts focused on healthcare, education, and community development. This unique approach not only spreads the joy of disc golf but also addresses crucial social needs in Ethiopia. By partnering with organizations like Icare so I Share, Yohannes believes that the timing couldn't be more perfect to embark on this philanthropic journey and bring about meaningful change in the lives of others.
In summary, Yohannes Desalegn's story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. Through his unwavering dedication to disc golf and his desire to give back to his community, he is poised to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of the sport.