ADDIS ABABA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The first Ethiopian sports academy, worth 181.8 million birr (about 21 million U.S. dollars), is to be constructed this year in the capital Addis Ababa, said the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday.

    The ministry said in a news release that a 30-hectare project site has been designated at the eastern part of the capital.

    Upon completion, the academy will offer basketball, football, tennis, volleyball and handball courts and fields. It will also have a gymnasium, swimming pool, fitness center, dormitories, shopping center, among others.

    Ethiopia produces some of the finest athletes of the world, especially middle-distance and long-distance runners.