The top four clubs from the Rwanda Basketball League first leg, in both the men’s and women’s categories, are set to compete in this year’s Genocide Memorial Tournament, scheduled for April 19th-20th at the BK Arena.
To mark the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsis in 1994, the Rwanda Basketball community is coming together with fellow Rwandans this year to mourn the loss of over a million Tutsis who were tragically murdered in just a hundred days.
As part of the scheduled activities, the leading clubs from the Rwandan Basketball League first leg in both the Men’s and Women’s categories will gather for a two-day tournament “Genocide Memorial Tournament 30,”. This event is slated to take place on April 19th-20th, at the BK Arena
Mr. Alexis Sharangabo, President of GMT 2024, a commission under RNOSC, expressed in a press conference to announce preparations, his belief in the power of sports to unite communities and honor the memories of those lost during the genocide. He further emphasized that federations have a responsibility to adhere to Rwandan societal norms by mourning for the victims during the commemorative period.
“This year marks the 11th edition of the Genocide Memorial Tournament organized by the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC). Previously, memorial tournaments were held by federations but in a less organized manner.”
He added “These games serve as a tribute to the players, families, coaches, and the entire sports community lost during the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
“Acknowledging the different schedules of federations, we have requested that if they do not organize GMTs, they should at least arrange regular commemorative activities that reflect the Rwandan spirit during this 100-day period.” He Said
The National Olympic Committee, responsible for coordinating the Genocide Memorial Tournaments (GMT) in various sports, designates the period from April 14 to June 30 for the event. However, due to scheduling constraints in basketball, the tournament has been slated for April 19th-20th.
According to Mrs. Claudette Habimana Umugwaneza, Technical Advisor of FERWABA, opting for a limited number of teams was deemed the optimal method to ensure timely games and to respect the engagements of other clubs and national teams this year.
“We opted to limit the number of clubs participating in the tournament due to the short period of time for preparation and the venue’s availability. The management of BK Arena allotted us just two days, this weekend. And This primarily influenced our decision to pick four men’s teams and four women’s teams based on our current league standings.” Said the technical Advisor
The current league leaders, Patriots, have been invited to participate in the tournament, along with the second-ranked team and defending champions, APR BBC. REG BBC and Tigers fill the remaining two slots for the semi-final format games, culminating in a final match scheduled for Saturday.
In the women’s category, APR WBBC, REG WBBC, Kepler, and GS Marie Reine will also compete for the 2024 Genocide Memorial Tournament trophy.
The basketball fraternity has been commemorating for decades
In 1996, the Espoir BBC team initiated a tournament to honor its player and coach, Ntarugera Emmanuel “Gisembe”, known as the “Gisembe Memorial tournament,” in remembrance of his life lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.
By 2013, the tournament underwent a name change to the “Basketball Genocide Memorial Tournament.”
From 2015, in collaboration with the “Rwanda Basketball Association” and Espoir BBC, the GMT tournament adopted a dual structure, featuring both local and international events.
In 2019, the GMT competition transitioned into an international event exclusively
In the 2019, REG BBC claimed victory over Patriots in the final match, securing the title. Meanwhile, The Hoops Rwanda emerged victorious in the women’s category, defeating RP-IPRC Huye to clinch the championship.
The tournament hasn’t taken place since then due to the COVID-19 and its consequences
The 2024 edition introduces a notable change, as Espoir Basketball will not be taking part in the tournament for the first time.
Speaking to Mrs. Fiona Ishimwe, Executive Director of the Rwanda governing body for Basketball, it was clarified that Espoir was not excluded from the tournament, and she emphasized that Espoir fully understand the concept behind the Genocide Memorial Tournaments
“Espoir has tragically lost many members, and we have made efforts to communicate with them, informing them of the challenges we faced in organizing this tournament.”
“In our partnership with BK Arena, we were constrained to only two days for organizing the event. Consequently, we opted for a simplified format, and since we have now completed the first leg games, we made the decision to involve the current top four clubs in this format.” Declared Mrs. Ishimwe
She added “The Genocide Memorial Tournament serves as a tribute to all the sportsmen who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis. Throughout these games, we will share testimonies and messages of remembrance. Espoir is fully aware of this, and they understand its significance.”
Despite missing out in this year’s GMT edition, the Espoir Basketball Club holds a significant numbers in the 34 identified members of the basketball fraternity who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.
The identified basketball fraternity members who lost their lives during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi:
Ntarugera Emmanuel “Gisembe” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Rugamba Gustave (ESPOIR B.B.C), Rutagengwa Mayina Aimable (ESPOIR B.B.C, UNR), Rubingisa Emmanuel “Mbingisa” (ESPOIR BBC), Kabeho Augistin “Tutu” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Munyaneza Olivier “Toto” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Nyirinkwaya Damien (Coach, ESPOIR B.B.C), Mutijima Theogene “Riyanga” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Murenzi J.M.V. (ESPOIR B.B.C), Hitimana Nice (ESPOIR B.B.C), Mukotanyi Desire (ESPOIR B.B.C), Twagiramungu Felix “Rukokoma” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Mutarema Vedaste (ESPOIR B.B.C), Rutagengwa Jean Bosco (ESPOIR B.B.C), Kamanzi “Major” (ESPOIR B.B.C), Munyawera Raymond (ESPOIR B.B.C), Gatera Yves (ESPOIR B.B.C), Kabayiza Raymond (ESPOIR BBC), Florence “Kadubiri” (MINITRAPE B.B.C), Esperance (Nyarugenge BBC, MINITRAPE BBC), Gasengayire Emma (UNR), Mugabo Jean Baptiste (INKUBA BBC, OKAPI BBC), Rutabana (INKUBA BBC, OKAPI BBC), Cyigenza Emmanuel (INKUBA BBC, TERROR BBC), Christian (INKUBA BBC), Rutare Pierre (President, INKUBA BBC), Nshimayezu Esdras (UNR), Nzamwita Tharcisse (MINIJUST BBC), Siboyintore (MINIJUST BBC), and Masabo (Inkuba BBC)
