Haile Gebrselassie was born on April 18, 1973  as one of ten children in Asella, Arsi , Ethiopia.  He is an Ethiopian long distance track and road running athlete, known for his remarkable versatility, Haile Gebrselassie achieved major competition wins at distances between 1500 metres and marathon, moving from outdoor, indoor and cross country running to road running in the latter part of his career. He has broken 25 world records and won numerous Olympic and World Championship titles, and is widely considered as one of the greatest distance runners in history.  He currently holds the Marathon world record.

Messeret Defar was appointed as UNFPA Ethiopia Honorary Goodwill Ambassador right after her return from her spectacular performance at the Athens Olympics in 2004, where she won gold medal. UNFPA Ethiopia office appointed her as Honorary National Goodwill Ambassador to champion the causes of women, youth, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS.