In three days forum “The Advancing Women in Leadership Forum for Africa – Asia” held in Kigali from 09 – 11 August, the UN Women Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mrs. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs while addressing to251 participants from 71 countries said “At UN Women, we understand the power of sport. We know that sport can transcend differences of sex, race, religion and nationality. Across the world, people from all walks of life experience the thrill of the Olympics and this shared experience unites us.”
She continue emphasizing that as UN Women, They know that sport can be a powerful tool to empower women and girls and tear down gender barriers and discrimination.
“I’m calling on all of you in leadership at National Olympic Committees to remove barriers to decision-making positions and put women and men on an equal footing, Participation in sport at all levels can effectively empower women and girls and provide them with skills they can transfer to other domains..” The UN Women Representative added.
“Rwanda is one of the best examples of how effective quotas can be. The country ranks at the top in terms of gender balance with more than half of its parliament composed of women. This can be achieved in all spheres, including the Olympic Movement, if we make concrete commitments.”
She also mentioned that Strength, perseverance, commitment, team spirit, solidarity, and respect for others – are all values that are central to sports but also to the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This forum prepared and hosted by Republic of Rwanda through Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee in close partnership with The International Olympic Committee.
In the afternoon of August 09, 2017, The PM Murekezi Anastase officially opened the “Advancing Women Forum in Leadership for Africa – Asia” took place in Kigali at Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi urged women to enrich their leadership skills and be able to compete for leadership position in sports and become mentors for young men and women seeking to work in sports activities.
Prime Minister pointed out that Rwanda made tremendous improvement in the promotion of gender equality with 64% of Parliamentary seats occupied by women and that the trend is seen in other decision making positions.
“Despite the fact that Rwanda has done a lot in promoting gender equality and sports, we still have gaps in representation of women in sports leadership. Currently, the number of women in the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee is at 42,8%; but in the National Sports Federations, they are only 16%.” Said Prime Minister Murekezi.
Anastase Murekezi added that the world has changed and that men and momen have to be treated equal in all domains.
“Women and Men are equal in terms of ability and dignity, and they should also be equal in terms of opportunity”. Rwandans, as a global community, we need every member of our society to use his or her talents to the fullest”.
“The 2017 statistics that were released by the International Olympic Committee show that on average, women represent only 17% in the National Olympic Committee General Assemblies and 20.7% in Executive Boards”. he added
PM Murekezi conclude his speech by urging all participants to advise African and Asian Countries on how better to advance women in sports leadership and participation.
“Our Country, Rwanda, with its commitment to international engagements, is ready to implement your recommendations.” Said PM Anastase.
The IOC Member, President of IOC Women in Sports Commission and the President of Burundi National Olympic Committee, Madam Nsekera Lydia in her remarks, She reminded that the purpose of the forum was to interact, sharing the best practical experiences and encouraging the men to participate in promoting gender.
Rwanda teenage beach volleyball pair of Penelope Musabyimana and valentine Munezero made history winning the bronze medal of the sixth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games in Nassau Bahamas.
The quadrennial event started on 19th to 23thJuly.
Led by coach Christopher Mudahunyuka, the pair of Musabyimana and Munezero have set a new record of becoming the first Rwandan team to win a medal in commonwealth games. They defeated the Scotland team in a very tough game of 2-1 (16-21; 26-24; 15-9).
The beach volleyball team along with tennis youngster Ernest Habiyambere were the only Rwandan representatives at the prestigious event that has attracted up to 1,300 athletes aged 14-18 from 70 nations and territories with making their debut appearance.
Meanwhile in tennis, Habiyambere could not go beyond the second round after losing to Mathew Stubbings from Papua New Guinea 2-0 (6-2, 6-3).
In the Commonwealth Youth Games which are underway in Bahamas from 19 to 23 July 2017, The Beach Volleyball National Team of two girls, Penelope Musabyimana and Valentine Munezero have made unbelievable record as they are qualified to the semi finals after stunning the number one Caribbean country in Beach Volleyball Vanuatu 2-0 in the quarter finals.
Due to the excellent performance for the Rwandan side, they are the only African team in top 4. In semi finals, Rwanda is facing Australia to reach the podium.
“Our eyes are now on the podium. the last victory is our motivation and i am expecting more from my team, i believe in them they can do it”, said Coach MUDAHINYUKA Christophe.
For Its first appearance to the Commonwealth Youth Games Rwanda won the first match in Beach Volleyball against Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 and in Tennis, HABIYAREMYE Ernest beat Emmanuel Plange from Ghana who is ranked number 8 in the Commonwealth Youth Games and 1195 on World ranking 2-0 (7-6; 6-4).
On second day, the The beach volleyball pair of girls, namely Penelope Musabyimana and Valentine Munezero lost their second match against the New Zealand 0-2 (10-21; 19-21).
As HABIYAREMYE Ernest the 1495th on World ranking continues his journey for qualification, the girls have just made Rwanda proud by qualifying to the Commonwealth Youth Games quarter finals in History. They smashed the Saint Lucia Team a straight forward game of 2-0 (21-15; 21-9).
The Commonwealth Youth Games are held every four years with age limitations for athletes of 14 up to 18. This year, the games are taking place in Bahamas from 19th to 23th July 2017.
Rwanda is being represented in Beach Vollyeball and Tennis.
From left: Mukundiyukuri Jean de Dieu (Chef de Mission) , Ernest Habiyaremye (Tennis Player) with his coach Sylvain Rutikanga.
The delegation took team photo before heading to Bahamas.
Rwanda Youth Beach Volleyball and Tennis teams yesterday headed to Nassau, in the Bahamas ahead of the sixth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games that will be held on July 19-23.
The beach volleyball pair of Penelope Musabyimana and Valentine Munezero, led by coach Christophe Mudahinyuka, have been in residential camp at Golden Tulip Hotel for the last one month.
“We are heading to the tournament with the purpose of doing well. We need to play attractive beach volleyball and we need to finish on top five, but if we can go all way and win a medal, that would be even excellent and memorable,” Mudahinyuka said.
The Commonwealth Youth Games are held every four years and age limitation of the athletes is 14 to 18 years. Rwanda will also be represented by Ernest Habiyambere in tennis. Rwanda’s number one tennis player, Habiyambere will be coached by Sylvain Rutikanga.
The delegation will be led by Jean de Dieu Mukundiyukuri, who is the Chef de Mission, while Hermine E’germa will be in charge for the girls.
These games are expected to bring together 1,000 athletes from 71 commonwealth countries.
The athletes will fall between the ages of 14 to 18 competing in nine disciplines including athletics, swimming, rugby, cycling, judo, boxing, tennis, beach volleyball and beach soccer.
It will be Rwanda’s first appearance at the youth event since joining Commonwealth in 2009, despite being regular participants in the Commonwealth Games (for seniors) since 2010.
The Advancing Women in Leadership Forum for Africa and Asia will be held in Kigali from 9th to 11th August, 2017.
Photo: Internet.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen Rwanda to host the Advancing Women in Leadership Forum for Africa and Asia 2017. The IOC was created more than a century ago with the goal of making a contribution to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, and harnessing the power of sport at the service of humanity”.
Traditionally, women were not allowed to participate in the Games, which were exclusively for men. Times have changed, and the IOC has played an important role in establishing a positive trend to enhance women’s participation in sport. Over the last 20 years, the IOC has been advocating for the participation of women at all levels, encouraging National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) to enhance the presence of women in sport.
For a number of years, the OIC has sponsored a series conferences thus creating forums for women in leadership in various countries with the goal of expanding the women-in-sport network. These conferences provide unique opportunities for sports federations to share best practices and effective strategies for increasing the number of women in leadership roles.
Why Rwanda to host The Advancing Women in Leadership Forum for Africa and Asia 2017:
Rwanda has been a world leader in having the highest number of women in parliament. In addition, there has been increased political will to promote the participation of women sports and through this support the NOC has registered a number of successes since 2012 namely; 30% of women representation in the executive committee, increased numbers of women coaches, female international referees, CAF women instructors, increased participation in Olympic games.
Above all, in 2016, The IOC Women and Sports Trophy for Africa was won by a Rwandan woman who is the current First Vice President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee, Madam RWEMALIKA Félicité.
Madam RWEMALIKA Félicité receiving the Award.
More specifically in Rwanda, women sport has been used by women as a tool for unity and reconciliation following the aftermath of the genocide and it became a forum for conversations on important social issues such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, poverty eradication via creation of income generation activities etc.
It is expected that the following personalities will attend:
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), THOMAS Bach.
The President of the Association of National Olympic Committees, member of the International Olympic Committee, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah.
The President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and the Ivorian National Olympic Committee and President of the African Judo Union, The Intendant General Lassana Palenfo.
The Member of the Executive Committee and vice-president of the International Olympic Committee, Nawal El Moutawakel.
IOC member and FIFA Executive Committee, Chairperson of the International Women’s Committee of the International Olympic Committee and current President of the National Olympic Committee of Burundi, Madam Lydia Nsekera.
To host this event, It will be an opportunity to promote the grassroots movement for women in sports development through out the country, the image and visibility of Rwanda to the rest of the World.
Within month of June, every year, The Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Culture organize Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) through their members, national federations. This annual event is held in remembrance of all sportsmen, fans and officials who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
More federations took part in this year’s Genocide Memorial Tournament compared to the previous years as 20 in 34 federations participated:
BASKETBALL: On 11th June 2017
Men’s final REG 81-69 Espoir
Third place Patriots 65-56 IPRC-South
Veterans UGB (Rwa) 58-71 VC Bakolo (DRC)
Women’s final Berco Stars (Bdi) 58-72 APR
Third place IPRC-South 33-44 Scandinavia (DRC)
REG BBC.
CHESS : 09-11 June 2017
Seventy-eight players from eight countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, RD Congo, UK and USA competed :
INTERNATIONAL / FIDE RATED SECTION
First Place: NSUBUGA HARUNA (UGANDA)
Second Place: SSONKO MATHIAS ALLAN (UGANDA)
Third Place: WANYAMA HAROLD (UGANDA)
OPEN / UNRATED SECTION
First Place: WERE SAMUEL (UGANDA)
Second Place: MWAKA EMMANUEL (UGANDA)
Third Place: MUNYURANGABO LONGIN (RWANDA)
Best Lady in International Section: KAYESU IVY (UGANDA)
Best Junior in International Section: MURARA IAN
Best Lady in Open Section: UWASE JOSELYNE
Best Junior in Open Section: MUNYURANGABO LONGIN
TAEKWONDO : 10th June 2017
Rwanda Taekwondo Federation organized an International Competition and three countries namely Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Burundian Refugees from Mahama Camp.
-40 KG JUNIOR FEMALE
1.ITERITEKA SHANNY (CAMP MAHAMA)
2.IZABAYO THIANA (CAMP MAHAMA)
3.IRAFASHA LYDIA (CAMP MAHAMA)
4.NIYONASABYE LATIFA (BETTER WORLD)
+40 KG JUNIOR FEMALE
1.UMURERWA NADEGE (UNITY)
2.TUYISHIMIRE SONIA (DREAM FIGHTERS)
3.INGABIRE ANITHA (SPECIAL LINE UP)
-40 KG JUNIOR MALE
1.SHEMA CYUBAHIRO ELISSA (DREAM)
2.AHISHAKIYE SHALOM (DREAM)
3.NIYONZIMA JACQUES (BETTER WORLD)
4.NIYONGERE WILSON (CAMP MAHAMA)
-50 KG JUNIOR MALE
1.NIYOMUGABO HAPPY (IYF)
2.IRADUKUNDA MUCYO YVAN (DREAM)
3.RUGAMBWA JUNIOR (DREAM FIGHTERS)
+50 KG JUNIOR MALE
1.TUYISHIMIRE ERIC (TAEKWO KICK)
2.BYUKUSENGE ERIC (DREAM)
3.TUYISHIMIRE FABRICE (TAEKWO KICK)
4.NGIRIYAREMYE DAN (DREAM FIGHTERS)
-53 KG SENIOR FEMALE
1.UMURERWA LAISSA (DREAM)
2.NDACYAYISENGA ALINE (DREAM)
+53 KG SENIOR FEMALE
1.BENIMANA YVONNE (DREAM)
2.AKIMANA BETTY (DREAM)
3.UWAYO CLARISSE (DREAM FIGHTERS)
-54 KG SENIOR MALE
1.KAYITARE BENON (IYF)
2.OCHWO DERRCICK (UGANDA)
3.KAYIZI VINCENT (CAMP MAHAMA)
4.KWIZERA SWEZER (CAMP MAHAMA)
-58 KG SENIOR MALE
1.SEKANYAMBO JEAN PAUL (IYF)
2.BYIRINGIRO ABRAHAM (DREAM FIGHTERS)
3.KAMANA LATIFA (UNITY)
4.NIYIGIZE JEAN DE DIEU (DREAM)
-63 KG SENIOR MALE
1.CYUBAHIRO ARTHUR (DREAM FIGHTERS)
2.IYUMVA REGIS (IYF)
3.GATERA SAMUEL (DREAM)
4.OCHAKA SAMUEL (UGANDA)
-68 KG SENIOR MALE
1.TWIZEYIMANA MUSSA (DREAM)
2.MUNYAKAZI VINCENT (DREAM)
3.MURAGIJIMANA ISRAEL (IYF)
4.MANIRIHO JEAN CLAUDE (KANIGA)
-74 KG SENIOR MALE
1.NIZEYIMANA SAVIO (DREAM)
2.EGACH ROGERS (UGANDA)
3.HABIMANA PAUL (KIGALI JUSTICE)
4.RWASA JOEL (CAMP MAHAMA)
+74 KG SENIOR MALE
1.GITTA HUSSEIN (UGANDA)
2.OWORI FRANCIS (UGANDA)
TEAM STANDING
1.DREAM TAEKWONDO CLUB (RWANDA)
2.MAHAMA REFUGEES CAMP TAEKWONDO TEAM (BURUNDI)
3.UGANDA TAEKWONDO TEAM
SPORT AUTOMOBILE : 10th June 2017
Slalom Memorial 2017
First Place: SEKAMANA FURAHA 1’25’’
Second Place: NDABATEZE JIMMY 1’31’’
Third Place: SAFARI CHRISTOPHER 1’36’’
FENCING : 10th June 2017
Men’s Category:
1.NDUWAMUNGU PATIENT
2.NYABAGABO DARCY
3.RUBEN DUNKEY
Women’s Category:
1.UWIHOREYE TUFAHA
2.INGABIRE NOELLA
3.HAKIZIMFURA CLEMENTINE
KARATE : 10th June 2017
Clubs based in Kigali dominated Karate Genocide Memorial tournament 2017
INDIVIDUAL KATA FEMALE
1.UWASE LAZIA (ZEN KARATE DO CLUB)
2.UWIZERA EVELYNE (MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB)
3.BYIRINGIRO JOYCE (MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB)
INDIVIDUAL KATA MALE
1.USENGIMANA OMAR (MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB)
2.MUNYESHYAKA VINCENT (MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB)
3.SHYAKA VICTOR (LION)
INDIVIDUAL KUMITE FEMALE
1.CYUZUZO SAKINA (FLYING EAGLE)
2.UWIZERA EVELYNE (MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB)
3.ISHIMWE SANDRINE (KIBEHO KARATE DO CLUB)
TEAM KATA MALE
1.ZEN KARATE DO CLUB
2.MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB
3.UR HUYE CAMPUS
TEAM KUMITE MALE
1.LION
2.MAMARU KARATE DO CLUB
3.ZEN B
FOOTBALL:Sunday, 11th June 2017
8 teams from different Football Centres located at Musanze District competed:
Men’s final
LES ABEILLES 2 – 0 VOLCANIC GORILLAS
TENNIS: Saturday, June 17th, 2017
Rwanda Tennis Federation prepared an international competition:
Nyirarukundo Salome on the podium with the minister Hon. Uwacu Julienne.
Rwanda’s fast-rising female long distance runner Salome Nyirarukundo has ended a decade-long jinx at the Kigali International Peace Marathon after winning the 21km gold on Sunday.
The 20-year old came into the race as the country’s main medal hopeful and she didn’t disappoint after putting on a stunning solo performance to claim gold beating a strong field comprising of Kenyans that had dominated the annual event in the previous 12 editions.
The former APR athlete posted one hour, 15 minutes and 28 seconds hence becoming the first Rwandan woman to strike gold, improving on the silver medal she won last year. Only Dieudonne Disi had won gold in the men’s half marathon in 2006.
The Rustiro-born athlete comfortably beat her closest contender Sheilla Chesang by a gap of almost five minutes—he Kenyan clocked one hour, 20 minutes and 24 seconds to settle for silver, whole Rwandan Claudette Mukasakindi claimed bronze after using one hour, 20 minutes and 36 seconds.
Meanwhile, Kenyans continued their dominancy of the full marathon in both men and women categories.
In the men’s category, Gilbert Chumba Kipleting won gold posting 2h:19’:49” ahead of his compatriots Edwin Kiyeng Kemboi (2h:19’:57”) while James Tallam claimed bronze in 2h:20’:00”.
Beatrice Rutto Jepkorir took gold n the women category using 2h:46’:38”, while Pamela Bundotich Chepkoech claimed silver posting 2h:47’:21” and Sarah Jerop Legat settled for bronze after clocking 2h:47’:24”.
In the men half marathon, Kenya’s Bartile Kipkoech Kipto won gold using 1h:04’:25”, Ezekiel Mutai Kimeli, also from Kenya took silver in 1h:05’:38 with Rwandan John Hakizimana scoopingbronze after posting 1h:05:48”.
<The New Times>
More photos of the day:
On finish line.The President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens.
Denyse Mutatsimpundu and Charlotte Nzayisenga overcame Moroccan to win gold medal at the 2017 CAVB Beach Volleyball Cup in Maputo
It was a dream come true for Rwanda’s beach volleyball players Denyse Mutatsimpundu and Charlotte Nzayisenga after they overcame Moroccan opponents to win gold medal at the 2017 CAVB Beach Volleyball Cup in Maputo, Mozambique, on Sunday evening.
With this victory, Rwanda qualified for the 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships that will be held from July 28 to August 6 in Vienna, Austria. They qualified along with Morocco, Kenya and Mozambique.
Mutatsimpundu and Nzayisenga
Morocco won opening set 21-12 before Rwanda bouncing back to claim the second set 21-19 and the decisive 3rd one 15-13.
In 2012, Mutatsimpundu and Nzayisenga while playing at the junior level, won gold at the Africa Championships in Togo but failed to participate in the World Championships in Canada after the hosts denied the Rwandan team visas.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s men’s duo of brothers Flavier Ndamukunda and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu finished in fifth place and failed to qualify for the World Championships.
Only the top four teams namely; Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, qualified to represent Africa in Vienna, Austria.
