The Special Olympics Rwanda delegation received a very enthusiastic welcome upon their return home, following a stunning journey at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany.
On June 27, The Rwandan team was greeted and garlanded at the Kigali International Airport by officials from Special Olympics Rwanda and Athletes’ family members. The SOR athletes with the medals around their necks, could not keep the beaming smile off their faces as they enjoyed the homecoming festivities
The 2023 Special Olympics World Games started on June 17, and concluded on Sunday, June 25, in Germany. 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from approximately 190 countries competed in 24 sports.
Rwanda, with 26 delegates including 15 athletes, competed in three sports and did not disappoint.
In Bocce (single female), Patience Irafasha bagged the team’s only gold medal while In Athletics, Milliam Niyomukunzi came in third to take the bronze medal in 100 meters.
In men’s category, Fabrice Niyibeshaho finished fourth in the 100-meter sprint while Bruce Cyemayire got a fifth place in bocce.
In Women’s Football, Rwanda’s national team faced Belgium in the final match of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games. Following a full-time draw, Belgium prevailed on penalties, and Rwanda finished second and was awarded silver medals.
When addressing the media, Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda describes the competition journey as a success.
“We competed in three sports—football, bocce, and athletics—and did well as we had promised everyone. Through the prayers we’ve had so many blessings from God, behave nicely and we won medals in each and every discipline in which we have participated.” Said Pastor Sangwa
He added; “Our journey went smoothly overall; since we had a doctor, none of our athletes had any concerns during the games.”
In contrast to the 2019 Games held in UAE, which included numerous athletes with physical impairments, Rwanda exclusively featured competitors with intellectual disabilities this year.
The next World Games will be held in Italy in 2025. Later, Rwanda will host the Pan-African Games in 2026
