News

May 23, 2018 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / FOOTBALL • News/ 0 Comments

Rwanda unveils three-year partnership with Arsenal to increase tourism, investment and football development.

Rwanda is to become the official tourism partner of Arsenal and the Premier League football club’s first ever shirt sleeve partner.

The three-year partnership will see the new “Visit Rwanda” logo featured on the left sleeve of all first team, under-23 and Arsenal Women’s matches from the new season this August.

The deal will among others highlight Rwanda’s tourism offerings such as the National Parks, which are attracting record number of tourists due to growing numbers of wildlife including black rhino, lions, zebra, chimpanzees and the famous mountain gorillas, as well as the investment opportunities in the country.

Rwanda received 1.3 Million visitor arrivals in 2017. 94,000 tourists visited Rwanda’s three national parks of Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Tourism has generated 90,000 jobs and is Rwanda’s largest foreign exchange earner.

Rwanda is ranked as the third easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi said:

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Arsenal and showcasing the vibrancy and beauty of our country. Rwanda is a country pulsing with energy, creativity and innovation.

“Visit Rwanda and discover why we are the second fastest growing economy in Africa. Investors in Rwanda are able to register their businesses in only six hours and prepare to enjoy the opportunities accrued from the free trade agreements that we’ve signed with over 50 countries.

“Renowned for our incredible and unique Mountain Gorilla tracking experience, tourist can also enjoy a variety of water sports, cycling, hiking, bird watching to list a few of the touristic attractions available while in Rwanda.

“In addition, we are telling investors to Visit Rwanda and discover why we are the second fastest growing economy in Africa, growing at 7.3% per annum. We want them to know that investors in Rwanda are able to register their businesses in only six hours and immediately enjoy the opportunities accrued from the free trade agreements that we’ve signed with over 50 countries”, Akamanzi added.

Arsenal players from the men’s and women’s teams will visit Rwanda and club coaches will host coaching camps to support the development of the game for boys and girls in the country.

Visit Rwanda will gain global exposure through branding on matchday LED boards, interview backdrops and the club’s stadium tour which attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year. They will also have the opportunity to engage Arsenal fans around the world through the club’s social media channels.

Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “This is an exciting partnership which will see us support Rwanda’s ambition to build their tourism industry. The country has been transformed in recent years and Arsenal’s huge following will bring Rwanda into people’s minds in a new and dynamic way. The Arsenal shirt is seen 35 million times a day around the world and we are one of the most viewed teams around the world. We look forward to working with the Visit Rwanda team to further establish the country as a tourist destination.”

The partnership is also being supported by National Geographic who will promote Rwanda as an important tourist destination.

[Source: Rwanda Development Board Official Website]

May 15, 2018 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News/ 0 Comments

The Rwanda National Olympic Committee and Hachimantai City of Japan sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) and the Japanese City of Hachimantai have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The (RNOSC) President and Mayor of the Japanese City of Hachimantai signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the Ministry of Sports and Culture conference room (Amahoro Stadium) at 11 am.

Both the City and the RNOSC agreed to work cooperatively on the Rwandan Olympic athletes’ training camp in Hachimantai City and to implement mutually, beneficial projects so that the Rwandan athletes can perform in the best possible way during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

RNOSC President, Amb. Valens MUNYABAGISHA said the program started about 5 months ago and he also visited Hachamantai City in March 2018.

During the visit, the Amb. Valens had a fruitful exchange with the Mayor of the City and took a look on the good sports facilities and accommodation that will be graciously reserved for the Rwandan athletes during their stay in Hachimantai City.

RNOSC President explained that the MoU has entered into force upon its signature and will remain in force until the end of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Upon mutual agreement by both parties, and this MoU could be extended.

The Mayor of Hachimantai City, Mr. Masahiko Tamura and The RNOSC President, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens having a warm handshake after signing the MoU.

“We have agreed that Hachimantai City will take care of the expenses including accommodation, food, as well as provide training facilities for the Rwanda Olympic Team before and during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, While RNOSC will take care of travel expenses from Rwanda to Japan and the health insurances for the athletes,” He said

He also added that the good relations between both countries have been in existence in other sports disciplines where the Japanese Embassy depression Karate Federation and hoped it will extend to other federations.

Present during the ceremony, the Mayor of the Hachimantai City of Japan, Mr. Masahiko Tamura who traveled to Rwanda explained that he was happy and honored to be in Rwanda for the second time.

“We have good relations with Rwanda in a floriculture project; we also thought it was a good opportunity to have Rwandan team in Hachimantai City during the preliminaries of the Olympics Games. Signing this MoU is a pleasure and honor,” Mayor Mashiko said

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Mr. John NTIGENGWA and the Ambassador of Japan in Rwanda both attended the ceremony as witnesses.

The Permanent Secretary said that signing the MoU was an added value to the existing relations and partnership between Rwanda and Japan.

“We hope both parties will benefit, and the Ministry will support the implementation of the MoU,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Sports and Culture, Mr. John NTIGENGWA signing as Witness.

His Excellency Takayuki Miyashita, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda who also witnessed the signing of the MoU noted that his mission was to oversee that government to government cooperation continues to develop far.

“People to People relations is also good when it is strengthened, both parties will meet to exchange strengthen cooperation to promote more between Rwanda and Japan. I will be in the Hachimantai City to fully support Team Rwanda and I wish them to win many Olympic medals,” H.E. Takayuki explained.

His Excellency Takayuki Miyashita, The Ambassador of Japan in Rwanda.

The Japanese delegation also used the occasion to visit different parts and offices of Amahoro National Stadium while being accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Culture and the President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee.

From left: The PS of MINISPOC, Mr. NTIGENGWA John, The Mayor of Hachimantai City, Mr. Masahiko Tamura, The RNOSC President, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens and H.E Takayuki Miyashita, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda.

The Japanese delegation also used the occasion to visit Amahoro National Stadium.

More photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158785774@N02/albums/72157668998021748

May 13, 2018 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / News • Rwanda CGA/ 0 Comments

Rwanda-CGA and CGF strengthen friendship bonds.

The Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda-CGA) and Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have pledged to strengthen friendship ties in the future.

From left: The Rwanda-CGA President, Amb. Valens MUNYABAGISHA, The Pastor of Livingstone Christian College, The Rwanda-CGA First Vice President, Madam RWEMALIKA Felicite, The CGF President, Louise Martin CBE, The Head Master of Livingstone Christian College, Dr. Mark Larlghly, The President of Australia Rwandan Diaspora, Mr. KAREKEZI Emmanuel.

In a message of appreciation and acknowledgment after returning home from the XXI Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast from the 4^th to 15^th April 2018, the Rwanda-CGA President, Amb. Valens Munyabagisha expressed gratitude for the support offered by Commonwealth Games Federation-CGF during the preparation and participation of the Rwandan athletes. (Click here for the full letter)

CGF President Louise Martin CBE in reply, promised that the friendship made will last forever! Here’s her full message.

During their stay in Australia, Team Rwanda was given a warm welcome as the athletes prepared for the games.

Rwanda athletes joined their fellows from the 71 national and territories of the Commonwealth to share the excitement of the games and to embrace the 3 core values of the CGF; Humanity, Equality, and Destiny.

On 7^th April, before all games played on that day, one minute of silence was observed to pay respect to the Tutsis killed in 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwandan players also wore black armbands to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Also, a statement was read at the Chef de Mission meeting, framing the context of why this commemoration is important

CGF President Louise Martin CBE wrote, “I am convinced that our observance of a one minute silence on the 7th April has shown the rest of the world that sport can be a powerful tool in reconciliation.”

Besides, the President also joined a delegation of Rwandan athletes and team officials in a visit to their GC2018 Schools Connect Program adopted school – Livingstone Christian College, Ormeau.

The delegations were involved in a range of activities across the day, including a procession, welcome ceremony, sporting activities, celebrity volleyball match and a colour run.

The Rwandan athletes spent time with the students in their classrooms, providing them with the opportunity to learn and gain an insight into the lives of athletes.

A total of 17 athletes represented Rwanda at the Commonwealth Games.

Rwanda Commonwealth Games Team in their respective disciplines

Athletics: Nyirarukundo Salome, Nizeyimana Alexis, Sugira James, Nishimwe Beatha, Ishimwe Alice and Tuyishime Christopher

Beach Volleyball: Nzayisenga Charlotte and Mutatsimpundu Denyse

Cycling: Areruya Joseph, Ndayisenga Valens, Ukiniwabo Jean Paul Rene, Uwizeye Jean Claude, Uwizeyimana Bonaventure, Munyaneza Didier, Ingabire Beatha, Manizabayo Magnifique

Para Powerlifting: Niyonzima Vedaste

Rwanda made its debut participation in the quadrennial Games in New Delhi, India in 2010.

May 13, 2018 / By RUGIGANA Jean Claude / BASKETBALL • News/ 0 Comments

Basketball: U Rwanda rwavuye ku batoza 7 rugera kuri 30 bafite amahugurwa y’icyiciro cya kabiri.

Abatoza 30 basoje amahugurwa y’icyiciro cya kabiri cy’ubutoza ku wa 11 Gicurasi 2018, basabwe kugaragaza itandukaniro bagatanga umusanzu mu iterambere ry’uyu mukino bahereye mu bato mu gihugu hose kabone n’iyo baba bakorera ubushake.

Abatoza bitabiriye amahugurwa nahawe impamyabumenyi (Certificates).

Aya mahugurwa yateguwe n’Ishyirahamwe ry’umukino wa basketball mu Rwanda (FERWABA) ku bufatanye na Komite Olempike y’u Rwanda aterwa inkunga na Solidarite Olympique. Aya mahugurwa yatangiye kuwa 6 Gicurasi 2018 amara iminsi itandatu abera kuri Stade Amahoro.

Yitabiriwe n’abatoza 30 b’amakipe atandukanye, yaba akina shampiyona, amakipe y’igihugu mu byiciro bitandukanye n’abandi bari basanzwe bafite impamyabumenyi y’icyiciro cya mbere (level One) mu butoza bashaka iy’icya kabiri bahugurwa na Dr. Mohamed Habib Cherif, Umuyobozi w’Ihuriro ry’abatoza ba basketball muri Afurika ukomoka muri Tunisia.

Umutoza mpuzamahanga, Dr. Habib Cherif yigisha uko batoza.

Mu Rwanda ni abatoza barindwi gusa bari basanzwe bafite impamyabushobozi y’icyiciro cya kabiri mu butoza barimo Mutokambali Moise wahoze atoza ikipe y’igihugu, Ahishakiye Alexandre, Buhake Albert, Kalima Cyrille, Bahige Jacques, Ngirimana Jean Chrysostome na Bahufite Jean.

Visi Perezida wa mbere wa Komite Olempike mu Rwanda, Rwemalika Felicite, wasoje aya mahugurwa, yasabye abayahawe kuzakoresha neza ubumenyi bungutse, abadasanzwe bafite amakipe batoza bagakoresha kwitanga kuko byanze bikunze inyungu bazazibona.

Visi Perezida wa mbere wa CNOSR, Madam RWEMALIKA Felicite.

Yagize ati “Ni byiza guhora abantu bihugura kuko haba hari nk’amategeko mashya baba batazi. Batahanye umurava, bahigiye gukoresha ubumenyi bungutse kugira ngo bateze imbere umukino, n’abadafite amakipe biyemeje ko bazakora nk’abakorerabushake wenda nyuma bitewe n’umusaruro batanga n’ako kazi kakaboneka.”

Rwemalika yavuze ko amahugurwa nk’aya azakomeza guhabwa n’abatoza bo mu yindi mikino ndetse n’abandi bantu bose bari mu nzego zigira uruhare mu guteza imbere siporo kuko byagaragaye ko igihe umuntu akora ibyo azi n’umusaruro atanga wiyongera.

Visi Perezida wa kabiri wa Ferwaba, Nyirishema Richard, we yavuze ko kuba aya mahugurwa yarasojwe n’abagore babiri gusa, abandi 28 ari abagabo ni ikibazo gikomeye ariko nk’ubuyobozi bazakomeza gushishikariza abategarugori kuza muri uyu mukino ari benshi.

Yagize ati “Ikibazo cy’abagore bake ntabwo kiri mu batoza gusa kuko no mu bakinnyi dufite amakipe make y’abakobwa ugereranyije n’abahungu. Ni ikibazo tutarebera kuri aya mahugurwa kuko abitabiriye icyiciro cya kabiri aruko hari n’icya mbere barenze.”

Yakomeje agira ati “Nibaza ko mbere yuko tugira abakinnyi benshi twakagombye abatoza benshi b’abagore kuko hari abakinnye Basketball ariko benshi muri bo bagenda baducika. Bamara gushaka abagabo bagahita bahagarika byose. Twihaye intego ko tugomba gushishikariza abagore cyane cyane abakinnye kuko nibura bo basanzwe bazi Basketball bagatangira kuba abatoza.”

Dr. Habib akosora umutoza witabiriye amahugurwa.

Dr. Habib yahawe impano mu rwego rwo kumushimira.

Andi mafoto: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158785774@N02/sets/72157694971379211