Rwandan Athletes wearing headbands as a mark of respect to more than one million innocent lives killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.
Rwanda 0-2 Australia
The national women’s beach volleyball team was yesterday eliminated from the ongoing Commonwealth Games after losing to Australia 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Denise Mutatsimpundu and Charlotte Nzayisenga, who were Rwanda’s representatives in the beach volleyball competition, were no match for the hosts who were dominant in both sets (21-9, 21-8).
Rwanda qualified for quarterfinals as second runners-up after coming back from two defeats to New Zealand and Vanuatu to beat Singapore.
Team coach Christophe Mudahinyuka said in an interview that although they failed to achieve their semifinal target, the players gained overview from playing against elite opposition.
“Playing against the best teams in the world, some of whom have professional players, has helped the team a lot and I am sure it will help us in the future,“ Mudahinyuka said.
Rwanda is one of only two nations – Mozambique being the other – to be admitted to the Commonwealth group of nations that were not colonised by Britain. That process was completed in 2009, before the country made its Commonwealth Games debut in Delhi, India in 2010, but this was the first appearance of Nzayisenga and Mutatsimpundu in the Games.
The 21st edition of the international multi-sport event kicked off on April 4 and will run through April 15 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Paralympic Powerlifter Vedaste Niyonzima is out of the Games as well after finishing in ninth place out of 11 players that took part in the competition.
The 2017 Tour du Rwanda champion, Joseph Areruya is competing at the ongoing Commonwealth games (Sam Ngendahimana).
Top three
1. Cameron Meyer (Australia) – 48:13:04 2. Harry Tanfield (England) – 48:43:30 3. Hamish Bond (New Zealand) – 48:45:45
Rwandans
13. Joseph Areruya – 52:24:16 24: Valens Ndayisenga – 54:06:50
RWANDA international Joseph Areruya put up an inspiring performance on Tuesday morning to finish Africa’s second best rider, and 13th overall, in men’s Individual Time Trial (ITT) at the ongoing XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia.
Tour du Rwanda and La Tropicale Amissa Bongo reigning champion covered the 38.5km course in 52 minutes, 24 seconds and 4 seconds, four minutes and twelve seconds behind Australian maestro Cameron Meyer (48:13:04) who won gold.
Areruya, 22, finished second best among 17 African riders on the 61-man startlist, behind South Africa’s Brandon Davids (51:44:00) who finished in the tenth place. Unlike Areruya, Davids rides for Australian side Bennelong SwissWellness Cycling Team p/b Cervelo and the terrain and weather in Australia was nothing new for him.
“So proud of our young man Joseph Areruya taking #13 in the men’s ITT at Commonwealth Games today! Awesome to see Rwanda so high up in the results – our best ever finish to date and the second best African rider behind mighty Brendon Davids.” Team Rwanda Cycling tweeted to congratulate sensational Areruya right after the race on Tuesday.
Another Rwandan star rider, Valens Ndayisenga who is making his second appearance in Commonwealth Games, used 54:06:50 to finish in the 24th position and fourth best among African cyclists. Dirk Coethe (53:16:85) of Namibia finished 19th overall, and third best African.
Set for a move to French side Delko–Marseille Provence KTM after the Commonwealth Games on April 15, Areruya will be back in action on Saturday, vying for honors in the main race of the event – Elite men’s road race.
The men’s road race will be a 166-cylist peloton tussling it out on a distance of 168.3km, nine laps across the host city – Gold Coast, with the start and finish-line at Currumbin Beachfront.
Rwanda will have 6 riders in the contest, Areruya and Ndayisenga will be joined by Jean Claude Uwizeye, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Didier Munyaneza and Jean Paul Rene Ukiniwabo.
By joining the UCI Professional Continental Team in France, Areruya becomes the first African cyclist to ride for the club. He penned a two-year contract last month.
What you need to know about the champion
Men’s ITT gold medallist Cameron Meyer is one of Australia’s most decorated cyclists.
The world champion track cyclist added Commonwealth Games gold on the road to his lengthy list of accomplishments, with victory in the men’s individual time trial on Tuesday.
Meyer, who also has a Tour Down Under crown to his name and stage wins in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, clocked a time of 48 minutes and 13.04 seconds, as he expertly negotiated the tricky 38.5-kilometre course in Currumbin to add another gold to Australia’s tally.
His victory came just two days after he was fourth in the points race on the track at the Anna Meares Velodrome, where he had also finished 10th in the scratch race.
Meyer has won nine world championships across different events on the track. He was already a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist but never before on the road.
Group photo after closing the General Assembly 2018.
Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC), in their Ordinary General Assembly that convened over the weekend, recommended that all national athletes should have medical insurance effective next year.
The issue of medical insurance was among the many resolutions passed—the others include; approving minutes of the previous assembly, review the president’s activity report ( activities carried out since the last assembly), approve the annual financial statement and the budget.
While addressing the assembly, RNOSC president Valens Munyabagisha said that medical insurance for local athletes is aimed at “protecting them.”
“We have recommended that the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINSPOC) makes it mandatory for all athletes in all national federations to have medical insurance, starting next year, and whoever misses this insurance will not be allowed to participate in any competition,” Munyabagisha, said.
The General Assembly also approved that all sports federations write and submit all the competitions that they intend to take part is throughout the year so that RNOSC also plan accordingly and make the necessary budget arrangements.
RNOSC announced the resignation of the secretary general, Dominique Bizimana and tasked the legal commission to prepare the next general assembly for new the secretary general to be elected.
Among the other resolutions approved is that, national athletes going to represent Rwanda in international competition, to get medical check-up before they travel.
Group photo of Students displaying the theme for the 2018 Commonwealth Day.
Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda-CGA) celebrated this year’s Commonwealth Day in a ceremony held at College Saint Andre in Nyamirambo on Wednesday, March 14.
Commonwealth day is celebrated every year on the second Monday in March, but in Rwanda, it was celebrated March 14 due to the local reasons.
The theme of this year 2018 is Towards a Common Future. Education and Sports were two tools used to promote the commonwealth values on this special day. On side of education, the objectives was to promote commonwealth in education, discuss and introduce the theme of the year 2018 to students through dialogues, whereas the sport activities like basketball, athletics (100m) and football for both girls and boys targeted to promote a culture of fair play in the youth, collaboration, building a stronger team work in the youth, winning spirit and sharing .
Student speaking during dialogues.Girls Basketball Team of College Saint Andre.Boys Basketball Team – College Saint Andre.
It was an event attended by First Vice President, Madam Felicite RWEMALIKA on behalf of Rwanda Commonwealth Games association.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary Association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states. It is home to 2.2 billion citizens, of which over 60% are under the age of 30.
The Commonwealth includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, spanning five regions. Thirty-one of its precautions are small states, many of them island nations.
Its’ Vision is to help create and sustain a Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values.
The occasion was attended mostly by student of College Saint Andre, who competed in various games including basketball, football and athletics (100m) for both boys and girls.
The Vice President of Rwanda-CGA, Madam Rwemarika throwing a Jump-Ball during Commonwealth Day 2018 celebrations at College Saint Andre.
While addressing the gathering, Rwanda-CGA vice president, Felicite Rwemarika, said that, “This event is a partnership with the Commonwealth family and the objective is to work together. It is important for the youth because sports create relationship and mutual friendship with others.”
The Vice President, Rwemalika during interview.
“The Commonwealth brings opportunities and hope to the Youth and uniting the family thus we choose to collaborate with students” Rwemalika added.
The cyclist, Areruya Joseph receiving the national flag from the Ministry of Sports and Culture.
Minister for Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu has flagged off the national team to this year’s Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.
The function held Friday afternoon at the ministry’s headquarters, attracted officials of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) and the national team delegation.
The Rwanda Commonwealth team which will be represented by 17 athletes is expected to start a week-long residential camp this week before they depart to Australia next week.
Athletics, Beach Volleyball and Paralympic powerlifting teams will head to Gold coast this month while cycling team will travel in the first week of April.
Minister Uwacu wished the athletes good luck and encouraged them to work collectively as team to make Rwanda proud. The team will be led by cyclist Joseph Areruya, who will carry the national flag.
“It’s not professional to find anyone with intentions of escaping on national duty while competing in such competitions,” she cautioned the athletes.
RNOSC president, Ambassador Valens Munyabagisha noted it will first time for Rwandan players will competing in an international competition during the commemoration week where country remembers victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
“We didn’t have a role to schedule the competition dates but we have asked the organizers to let our teams to have a moment to remember on April 7 and to wear a black ribbon as a sign of remembrance in each game,” said Amb. Munyabagisha.
The athletes posing with the Minister Uwacu Julienne (C) and other officials.
A total of 17 athletes across four different sporting disciplines will carry the country’s quest for a historic first Commonwealth Games medal. Rwanda will have representatives in cycling, athletics, beach volleyball and Para-Powerlifting.
The 21st edition of Commonwealth Games will attract over 6600 athletes representing 70 countries and territories in 18 sports and 270 medal events.
Rwanda made her debut in the quadrennial event eight years ago in New Delhi, India, and her second appearance in 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. However, no Rwandan athlete was able to manage a podium finish at either edition.
Full Rwanda Team
Athletics: Nyirarukundo Salome, Nizeyimana Alexis, Sugira James, Nishimwe Beatha, Ishimwe Alice and Tuyishime Christophe 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
The President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda-CGA), Amb. Valens Munyabagisha (right) and Chef de Mission, Mr. Nzabanterura Eugene who is also the advisor at Rwanda-CGA (Left).
On Friday, Mrach 09, 2018, The Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda-CGA) held a press conference at Ministry of Sports Culture headquarters to explain more about how’s the preparation is going on for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games that will begin on April 04. seventeen athletes are ready to well represent RWANDA in cycling, beach volleyball, athletics and para power-lifting . The President of Rwanda-CGA, Amb. Valens Munyabagisha alongside the Chef de Mission, Mr. Nzabanterura Eugene confirmed that the Rwandan Team is competing in Commonwealth Games 2018 with the purpose of reaching the podium.
The CGA President Amb. Valens noted the event will be held during the commemoration week where country remembers victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi but they have agreed with organizers to join Rwandans in commemoration.
“We didn’t have a role to schedule the competition dates but we have asked the organizers to let our teams to have a moment to remember on April 7 and to wear a black ribbon as a sign of remembrance in each game,” said Amb. Munyabagisha.
The press conference attracted almost all local media houses and they have pledged to be supportive as always.
Rwanda Team (Cycling, Beach Volleyball, Athletics and Para Power Lifting) that will represent Rwanda in Commonwealth Games 2018.
RWANDA Commonwealth Games Association (RWANDA-CGA) has unveiled the delegation to represent the country at the forthcoming XXI Commonwealth Games scheduled for April 4-15 in Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia.
A total of 17 athletes from four different sporting disciplines will carry the country’s quest for a historic first Commonwealth Games medal. Rwanda will have representatives in cycling, athletics, beach volleyball and Para-Powerlifting.
The 21st edition of Commonwealth Games will attract over 6600 athletes representing 70 countries and territories in 18 sports and 270 medal events.
Rwanda made her debut in the quadrennial event eight years ago in New Delhi, India, and her second appearance in 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.
However, no Rwandan athlete was able to manage a podium finish at either edition.
Cycling
The cycling team that will represent the country in Commonwealth Games next month.
Africa’s top-rated Joseph Areruya will lead Team Rwanda Cycling in Australia, looking to take his impressive cycling talent to global scene after conquering the continent in the past five months.
The 21-year-old rider claimed Tour du Rwanda 2017 last November and the 2018 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in January.
After the magical performance in Gabon where he became the first Rwandan and only third African cyclist to win Africa’s most respected cycling event, Areruya added on the inaugural UCI Tour de l’Espoir in Yaoundé, Cameroon early February.
The Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider went on to win four medals, two gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the recently-concluded African Continental Road Championship held from February 13-18 in Kigali.
Making his debut at the international multidiscipline games, cycling sensation Areruya will be on a team of six.
Other big names on the team include; two-time Tour du Rwanda champion Valens Ndayisenga and Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Didier Munyaneza, Jean Paul Rene Ukiniwabo and Jean Claude Uwizeyimana.
For the first time, Rwanda will also field female riders at the two-week long competitions, among them, reigning national champion Beatha Ingabire as well as Magnifique Manizabayo.
Apart from Ndayisenga and Uwizeyimana, the rest of the cyclists on the team will be making their maiden appearance in Commonwealth Games.
At the 2014 edition, Rwanda fielded six riders in men’s category in Glasgow. Former national team captain Janvier Hadi and Valens Ndayisenga competed in Individual Time Trial (ITT) and finished 19th and 23rd respectively.
They were also joined by Adrien Niyonshuti, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Gasore Hategeka and Jean Bosco Nsengimana but none of the six riders managed to finish the race that was won by Wales’ Thomas Geraith.
Athletics
The Athletics team that will represent the country in Commonwealth Games next month.
In athletics, Rwanda will be represented by six track and field athletes led by 20-year- old star Salome Nyirarukundo, who will compete in the women’s 10,000m.
Others include; Alexis Nizeyimana (full marathon), Christopher Tuyishime and James Sugira (men’s 5000m), Beatha Nishimwe (1500m) as well as Alice Ishimwe, who will race in the women’s 800m.
Nyirarukundo represented Rwanda at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Brazil where she finished 27th out of 37 competitors in women’s 10,000 metres clocking 32: 7:80.
Her personal best in 10,000 metres is 31:45:82, which she recorded at the 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers in Durban, South Africa.
Fresh from winning a bronze medal at this year’s Barcelona Half-marathon, Nyirarukundo is set to link up with the rest of the team this month after his training stint in Eldoret – Kenya.
Beach Volleyball
The Beach Volleyball team that will represent the country in Commonwealth Games next month.
The reigning African champions Charlotte Nzayisenga and Denise Mutatsimpundu will not only represent Rwanda but also have the entire Africa on their shoulders in the women’s beach volleyball category.
The pair booked their ticket to the finals of the XXI Commonwealth Games, in October last year, after beating Nigeria in the final of African Championships held in Sierra Leone.
Rwanda has been drawn in Group C alongside favourites New Zealand, Singapore and Vanuata. Group A comprises of hosts Australia, Scotland, Grenada and Cyprus while Group B is made of giants Canada, England, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Fiji.
Christophe Mudahinyuka’s team will have to finish in the group’s top two to secure a spot in knock-out stages.
Since February 12, Nzayisenga and Mutatsimpundu have been training at Amahoro national stadium and they were supposed to start residential camp in Rubavu on Saturday.
Para-Power lifting
Mr. Vedaste Niyonzimana will represent Rwanda in Para Power-Lifting.
After the 2014 debut in powerlifting where Theogene Hakizimana was the flag bearer, Rwanda has again been offered one wild card in Para-powerlifting and this time, it will be Vedaste Niyonzimana who will carry the flag.
The President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee, Amb. MUNYABAGISHA Valens opening officially the Sports Medicine Course.
Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) has organized the first ever course in Sport Medicine—the five-day course started on Friday and will run until March 6 at Amahoro national stadium.
The course, which has attracted 40 local sports physicians, is part of the partnership between the Rwanda National Olympic and Sport Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is aimed at benefiting Rwanda in advanced treatment of injured players.
The course is being conducted by Professor Cyrille Serge, the Chairman of the Medical Committee Association of National Committees African Olympics, who says that the training will facilitate local sports physicians on the process of treating injured players until they are healed.
“Rwanda and Africa have many talented players but because of injuries we lose some prematurely due to lack of properly trained sports physicians to treat injuries better,” said Professor Serge.
He declared that there will be a follow-up course to the first one as, “we continue to train more sports physicians.”
Meanwhile, Bosco Mpatswenumugabo, the head of the Medical Committee at RNOSC, said the course was very important for Rwanda and, “after this training, we hope to reduce the number of long term injures because of local sports physician will have been equipped with the necessary skills.”
Twenty-five handball coaches from different clubs are set to benefit from Level C training course, sponsored by Olympic Solidarity in partnership with the National Handball Federation (FERWAHAND).
The two-week training course, which is being conducted by handball expert Yvon Laurans from France at Amahoro Stadium will see the coaches and instructors attain the International Handball Level C which will allow them to coach both clubs as well as youth at national level. They will also qualify to work as assistant coaches in the national handball league.
The training course is taking place at Amahoro National Stadium. (@RwandaOlympic)
The Handball federation president Theogene Utabarutse said “We need more qualified coaches if we are to develop handball in the country. There is no way we will be able to compete with other countries across the continent if we do not have trained coaches.”
Laurans the French trainer hailed the initiative saying the trainees will benefit from the course to improve on their handball training skills.
“I urge the coaches and instructors to implement the knowledge they receive after the training,” Laurans advised
Yvon Laurans, the Handball Expert from France. (Photo Credit: @RwandaOlympic)
Plans are also underway to recruit a national head coach with the support of the Ministry of Sports and Culture which takes charge of his remuneration.
