News - Rwanda National Olympic & Sports Committee

April 11, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News • Reach the Podium/ 0 Comments

Rwanda featured in UN photo exhibition

In celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the exhibition highlights what the UN and players all around the world do to harness the power of sport.

170406142004498_Rwanda+sitting+volleyball+OIS+Photos — **Rwanda’s team were the first women from Africa to qualify for a Paralympic Games at Rio 2016.**

A powerful image of the Rwandan women’s sitting volleyball team was featured in a UN exhibition celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development (IDSDP) and Peace on 6 April.

The photo, taken by Simon Bruty for Olympic Information Services (OIS) during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, shows the Rwanda team playing a preliminary game against Iran.

In Rio the Rwandan women made history becoming the first women’s sitting volleyball team to represent an African country at a Paralympic Games. With their appearance, they did not only make a sporting impact, they also helped to heal the wounds inflicted upon Rwandan society after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

“I am delighted that the photography of Simon Bruty is to be included in the United Nations exhibition,” Anthony Edgar, Head of Olympic Information Services for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said. “The success of the OIS photographic initiative went far been beyond our expectations and this illustrates the professionalism of the photographers we used.

On IDSDP, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) is carrying out a digital campaign #WePlayTogether to encourage organisations and individuals who support or carry out sport for development and peace activities to partake in the commemoration of the IDSDP.

The campaign has been inviting participants to share a picture on social media that represents for them the “power of sport to promote peace, unity and inclusion”.

The campaign joined the UN Secretary-General’s call to make “2017 a year for peace”.

The International Paralympic Committee was celebrating IDSDP by sharing powerful stories of how Para sport and Para athletes contribute towards sustainability and peace all over the world.

<<https://www.paralympic.org>>

April 11, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News • Rwanda CGA/ 0 Comments

Rwanda celebrated the Commonwealth Day for its first time.

Rwanda was pleased to join other members of the Commonwealth family across the world in commemorating Commonwealth Day 2017 for the first time, under the theme “A Peace-building Commonwealth”.

The Commonwealth day is celebrated every year on the second Monday of March. For this year, the World celebrated the Commonwealth Day on Monday 13^th March, but here in Rwanda as the targeted people to celebrate with were students who were doing their exams, the celebration has been postponed to March 27^th, 2017.

Rwanda celebrated the commonwealth day with the students from High Schools that have commonwealth clubs namely Lycée de Kigali which hosted the event and Lycée Notre Dames de Citeaux.

It was the day of an enjoyable programs:

Educational activity:There were two groups of five from each school, the aim of the dialogue was to understand the commonwealth in general, the commonwealth day and the theme of the day and to help other students to understand that and to know the important of being a member of the commonwealth family.

Sport activities: They had time to compete; In running 5 laps the footbll pitch, Lycée de Kigali won over Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux and in tag of war rope, Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux paid back.

The Second Vice President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association, Mr. BIZIMANA Festus and the Second Secretary Political of the British High Commission in Rwanda, Mr. Tim MOODY gave their remarks to the crowd.

***The Second Secretary Political of the British High Commission in Rwanda, Mr. Tim MOODY.***

The event was finished with awarding the winners in different activities:

March 26, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News/ 0 Comments

The Queen’s Baton Relay Walk to inspire the Rwandan Sports movement.

On Friday, March 24, 2017, the third day of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Rwanda was finished with a Walk from Kigali Convention Center to Petit Stade, Remera.

It’s a walk led by The Permanent Secretary, Lt. Col. RUGAMBWA Patrice in Ministry of Sports and Culture on behalf of Rwanda as a Commonwealth Country included among the countries which the Queen’s Baton is travelling in and The President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin CBE accompanied by the President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens.

The Queen’s Baton Relay walk aimed at inspiring the people of the Commonwealth to come together and showcase the Gold Coast 2018 Games to follow and promoting its values of unity and peace.

The Queen’s Baton is passed from hand to hand of over 400 participants composed of the representatives of National Federations, athletes, youth and other sports movements’ members until to the finish line.

Louise Martin, the president of Commonwealth Games Federation in her speech said “This Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton is a symbol of our past, present and future, we have to work hard, we have to train hard whether you win a medal or you lose, the important thing is a friendship as results between athletes, nations after the competition.”

“When you touch the Queen’s Baton, a bright boundless energy light up the baton in colours that reflect the warmth and spirit of Gold Coast.”, She added.

She finished her speech with explaining that the Queen’s Baton is made of macadamia wood (native to the Gold Coast), Stainless steel stringer (3-digit alpha codes of all nations and territories), leading edge (mode with reclaimed plastic from the ocean), LED illumination (lights up with boundless energy), Queen’s message window (creates a visual connection), Spinifex paper (traditional techniques, modern material technology) and GPS on-board (track the baton in real time).

The Permanent Secretary, Lt. Col RUGAMBWA Patrice in his closing remarks said “The visit of the Queen’s Baton Relay has given Rwanda a great opportunity to know more about the Commonwealth and raise awareness on Commonwealth Games”.

“The Ministry of Sports and Culture in partnership with Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association and concerned sports federations will provide needed support to allow Rwandan athletes who will participate in XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast for their preparation in order to get the best performance in different sports disciplines.” He added.

He closed his remarks by thanking the Queen’s Baton Relay team and all people who contributed to the success of the event.

Before the Queen’s Baton Relay delegation continues its journey to Uganda, today Saturday, on March 25, with the Minister of Sports and Culture, Hon. UWACU Julienne and Rwandan Sports Movement joined the local people of Mwurire in Rwamagana district in community work “Umuganda”.

March 25, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News/ 0 Comments

The Queen’s Baton Relay Delegation paid a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial Site.

The Queen’s Baton Relay Delegation accompanied by The President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial this morning Thursday 24 March 2017 to pay respects to the victims of Genocide against the Tutsi and learn about the causes, reality and consequences of the Genocide.

After watching a short movie about Genocide Survivors, they laid a wreath in honour of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and followed by a tour of the memorial’s exhibition and grounds.

The delegation composed of The President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin CBE, The President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens and the officials from the Gold Coast Organisation Committee and Australian High Commission left the message of hope after the tour of the memorial’s exhibition and grounds .

The President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin CBE signed in visitors’ book before closing the visit.

More photos:

March 24, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / Events • News/ 0 Comments

Crowds welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay in Rubavu district.

Rubavu residents turned up in big numbers on Thursday to welcome the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay that is in the country on a four-day tour.

The Queen’s Baton arrived in Rwanda on Wednesday from Ghana and headed to Rubavu District in Western Province. The Baton was carried by national swimmer Bebeto Isahaka Irankunda.

On this Friday morning, the Baton will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi; while in the afternoon, it will be relayed through the streets of Kigali from the Convention Centre to Amahoro National Stadium before heading to Uganda on Saturday.

Travelling for 388 days throughout all the Commonwealth nations and territories, the relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games’ history. The 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place in Gold Coast City in Australia from April 4-15.

Rubavu district vice mayor Janvier Murenzi said: “We are very grateful for this event and we would like to thank the organisers because it does encourage our athletes to compete in the Commonwealth Games.”

“But most importantly, we’re glad to use this occasion to implement one of our long-term projects as a country, which is environmental conservation through tree planting,” Murenzi added, in regards to this year’s Queen’s Baton Relay special theme: ‘Environmental Sustainability.’

The ceremony comprised two activities, namely; tree planting on the banks of River Sebeya and a 5-kilometre Run for Fun around Rubavu town.

Felix Uwimana won the five-kilometre men’s category clocking 12 minutes, 37 seconds and 190 micro seconds, while Eric Turikunkiko finished second with Jean Damascene Hakizimana taking the bronze medal.

In the women’s category, Jeanette Uwambajimana won the gold medal posting 14 minutes, 47 seconds and 67 microseconds. She was followed by Joseline Nyiraneza and Alicia Aganze, who won silver and bronze medal positions, respectively.

<The New Times>.

March 23, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News/ 0 Comments

The Queen’s Baton Relay 2018 arrived in the Sky of the Country of a Thousand Hills.

***The Minister Hon. Uwacu Julienne receiving the Queen’s Baton from The President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin CBE.***

Yesterday evening, The Queen’s Baton Relay arrived in Rwanda accompanied by the President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin CBE, the Gold Coast Organizing Committee and Australian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mr John Feakes and received by The Minister of Sports and Culture Hon. Uwacu Julienne.

The distinctive Baton bears the Queen’s message is traveling through the entire Commonwealth including Rwanda before reaching the final do-dietary-supplements-work.com in the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on 4 April 2018 in Australia.

Now, the delegation with the Queen’s Baton are on their way to Rubavu to join the Ministry of Natural Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature together with the local people to celebrate the International Water Day.

Trees planting and Running cross competition of 5Km are the main activities of the day before coming back in Kigali for a walk from Kigali Convention Center to Petit Stade.

March 22, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / Events • News/ 0 Comments

The Queen’s Baton Relay to visit Rwanda.

20170313_London_1930-1200 — ***Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II launching the Queen’s Baton Relay on March 13, 2017.***

The Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Kigali on 22^nd March 2017 at 05:30 pm from Ghana and will spend four days in Rwanda. The Queen’s Baton Relay departed Buckingham Palace on 13 March and will visit every Commonwealth Country as it journeys to Australia. The 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place on the Gold Coast in Australia from 4-15 April 2018.

During the commencement ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty the Queen placed her message into the specially designed Baton and entrusted it to the first Baton bearer, legendary Australian track cyclist and Gold Coast 2018 Ambassador Anna Meares OAM.

The Queen’s Baton visit in Rwanda is scheduled as follows:

On 23^rd March: The Australian High Commission, together with the Gold Coast Organising Committee and the Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda CGA), will take the Queen’s Baton to Rubavu to join The Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in celebration of “International Water Day” where they will plant the trees and award the winners of Running Cross around Rubavu Streets.

On 24 March: The Queen’s Baton will pay tribute to Genocide victims at Kigali Genocide Memorial Site and be relayed through the streets of Kigali from the Kigali Convention Centre to Amahoro National Stadium.

On 25 March: Before heading to Uganda, The delegation, the Ministry of Sports and Culture, the Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association with National Federations representatives will join the Rwandans in community work (Umuganda) in Mwurire, Rwamagana district.

The Gold Coast 2018 Relay is the longest and most accessible in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000 kilometres in order to share the excitement of the Games with as many people as possible.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition of the Commonwealth Games that celebrates themes of diversity, community pride, and the sporting values of fairness, inclusivity and perseverance.

This year a special theme of environmental sustainability is highlighted. The GC2018 Baton has been made using macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic sourced from Gold Coast waterways. The design has been inspired by Australia’s indigenous heritage and with sustainability in mind.

Australian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mr John Feakes, said “I am pleased by the opportunity that the Commonwealth Games affords Australia, Rwanda, and all Commonwealth nations to come together and recognise these important values that we share”.

March 17, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / Events • News/ 0 Comments

Be part of Commonwealth Games History, 4 days left to become a GC2018 volunteer!

Volunteering at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for all those who are involved. It will be our chance to showcase to the world how diverse, friendly and skilled our community is.

Dedicated, friendly volunteers are the cornerstone of all great events and GC2018 will be no different. We’re looking for volunteers with a wide variety of skills and experience to Shape the Games for athletes, officials and fans.

Our goal is to create a volunteer-centric program that encompasses up to 15,000 capable, committed and connected volunteers.

There will be a number of different roles across all of our venues and service areas, so if you have the passion then we have the opportunity for you.

The countdown is on! There’s only 4 days left to apply to become a GC2018 volunteer, applications will close at 8pm (AEST) on Monday 20 March, 2017.

Applications can be made by visiting https://www.gc2018.com/volunteer.

March 15, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News/ 0 Comments

The handover ceremony between new and former Executive Committees was held yesterday evening.

***The New President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens and his predecessor, Mr. BAYIGAMBA Robert.***

The official handover ceremony between the New Executive Committee and their predecessors was held at Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee Headquarters. The Handover was witnessed by The Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Sports and Culture and The President of Legal and Ethic Commission of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee.

“The work that the outgoing team has done has built a solid foundation and We want to work to sustain what has been achieved and keep promoting the interests of the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee,” The New President, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens said during the handover ceremony.

See more photos of the event:

March 14, 2017 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / Events • News/ 0 Comments

Her Majesty The Queen launches Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton on recordlong global journey.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has set the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in motion during a star-studded commencement ceremony yesterday at Buckingham Palace as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex, The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth and its athletes inside the distinctive Baton.

The Queen’s Baton will now travel through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days, covering 230,000 kilometers to its final destination, the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) on 4 April 2018.

Particularly, The Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Rwanda from March 22-25, 2017.

Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley OAM delivered the Queen’s Baton starting from Marlborough House up The Mall and into the Palace Forecourt, accompanied by the eminent Band of the Scots Guards, who played by permission of Major General BJ Bathurst CBE, The Major General Commanding The Household Division.

Louise Martin CBE President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Peter Beattie AC Chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) and Yugambeh Elders Patricia O’Connor and Ted Williams accompanied Her Majesty in the ceremonial party.

For full media release document, Download it here.

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