Ethiopian elite athletes gear up to score shining vistory at 16th African Athletics Championship     Addis Ababa, April 15, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - Ethiopian elite athletes are ready to take part in the 16th African athletics championship which will be held in Addis Ababa from April 30 -May 4, 2008, competition organizing committee said.   Preparations for the championship and to host international athletes have already been launched. So far, 43 African countries confirmed their participation at the competition   Briefing journalists here on Tuesday, committee chairperson, Dube Jelo said almost all Ethiopian athletes who achieved shining victory at Edinburgh 2008 World Cross Country recently will take part in the championship.   Ethiopia will participate in 38 of the total 48 disciplines.   Dube said the necessary training has already been offered to referees, while 170 youth volunteers are working with the committee to effectively execute the competition.   Construction of standard warming up area, and installation of the necessary equipment at the stadium has been completed.   Getahun Gebregiogis, General Secretary of the committee on his part said the committee has readied hotels and transport facilities for the athletes.   Canal France International (CFI) and Ethiopian Television will transmit the competition live. The public can also watch the competition at the Addis Ababa Stadium free of charge, he added.   Exhibition and symposium will be organized and African elite athletes who promote Africa at various international athletics competition will be awarded here in connection with the championship.   Getahun called on the public to welcome warmly African athletes, and delegates who will arrive here within two weeks.