San Diego

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The San Diego Division honors Ahmed Idlle, a Somali community leader and founder of San Diego Youth Athletics (SDYA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the area’s young people through education and sports.

Through the SDYA, Mr. Idlle regularly organizes sports teams for Somali youth and teaches participants to work as a team, be respectful of others, and to sort through problems in a non-violent manner. The organization’s goal is to provide an affordable venue that fosters interaction between adult mentors and neighborhood youth.

Mr. Idlle is also an active participant in the law enforcement/Somali roundtable, which works to advance cooperation and between law enforcement and the Somali community. The roundtable is a collaborative effort between the Somali community, the FBI San Diego Division, various local police departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s office. At a recent Somali Youth and Athletics Fair hosted by the FBI, Mr. Idlle independently organized a basketball tournament, advertised the event, organized competitive teams, and presented awards.