The Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association (Rwanda-CGA) and Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have pledged to strengthen friendship ties in the future.
In a message of appreciation and acknowledgment after returning home from the XXI Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast from the 4th to 15th 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 7th 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.