Special Olympics Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda School Sports Federation, has successfully concluded a three-day training program for technical directors representing various others at the national level. This initiative aims to enhance their expertise and capacity in inclusive sports within schools.
In Kigali, on April 26th, Special Olympics Rwanda (SOR) and the Rwanda School Sports Federation (RSSF) wrapped a three-day capacity-building workshop for technical directors nationwide. The training involved 21 technical directors, comprising three representatives from each league and an additional three from the national level.
From April 24th to April 26th, technical directors across the country gathered at the Centre Saint Vincent Pallotti to acquire knowledge about incorporating students with intellectual disabilities into sports alongside others without intellectual disabilities.
After the training, Mr. Eusebius Rugasire Kamugunga, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda School Sports Federation, conveyed thanks to Special Olympics Rwanda for their openness to forming a partnership with RSSF.
He said; “We express our gratitude to Special Olympics Rwanda for extending the opportunity to collaborate with us. Our previous deficiency lay in the training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. we anticipate signing a Memorandum of Understanding soon. The knowledge shared is highly valued and expected to greatly benefit our work. We eagerly look forward to a fruitful collaboration.” Mr. Rugasire Kamugunga
In his mark to conclude a three-day event, Pastor Deus Sangwa, Board Chairman of SOR, encouraged participants to continue supporting the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in society and to uphold their role as positive ambassadors.
“Those who completed the training are now spreading their newfound knowledge across the entire country. Special Olympics is dedicated to bringing joy to athletes with intellectual disabilities and our mission is to promote their happiness and inclusion in the society. Keep being good ambassadors of this important cause.” Said the Chairman.
In the previous year, Special Olympics Rwanda, through the Unified Champion Schools project, distributed sports equipment to 210 schools across the country with 70 located in the Eastern Province, 40 in Kigali City, 25 in the Northern Province, 35 in the Western Province and 40 in the Southern Province.
The endeavor aimed to incorporate children with intellectual disabilities into sports alongside their peers without intellectual disabilities thus promoting inclusivity and alleviating feelings of isolation.
With the children equipped with full kits, the next step naturally involves capacity building.
The twenty-one trainees are tasked with the responsibility of instructing their fellow colleagues at the district level and providing guidance to coaches at the school level.
Since its inception in 2002, Special Olympics Rwanda, a non-governmental organization with an array of projects aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities, has played a significant role in developing physical fitness, organizing sports activities, and facilitating competitions among athletes with intellectual disabilities.
