Special Olympics Rwanda climaxed the 2022 National Games for people with and without intellectual disabilities Saturday, November 5th at Lycée de Kigali, Nyarugenge district. 126 athletes from 18 schools competed in 4 sports disciplines.
KIGALI, November 5, 2022, Special Olympics Rwanda, SOR organized the final phase of the National Games in advance of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, which will be held in Berlin, Germany between 17 and 25 June 2023.
The National Games are put on by Special Olympics-accredited programs all over the world, to be played locally featuring multiple competitions in different sports disciplines. Teams that represent Nations at the World Games are then selected from these competitions which are played locally at National Level.
At the Lycée de Kigali Secondary school, 126 athletes from seven districts competed in 4 sports—football, athletics, basketball, and bocce—during the 2022 National Games.
Speaking to Pastor Deus Sangwa, the Special Olympics Rwanda chairperson, he could not hide his expression of joy for the rapid growth of unified sports in Rwanda.
He said, “My heart is full of joy. When you see these young athletes compete, wearing the same kits, you cannot identify the person with Intellectual disabilities and the one who doesn’t. This is the result of upholding the inclusion policy which is Unified Sport.”
Despite being pleased with the achievement, the chairperson didn’t hesitate to include the neighborhood in continuing to build an inclusive atmosphere that empowers those with intellectual disabilities.
“We still have to continue campaigning for parents, families, and governmental institutions to take part in the inclusive policy and build an environment that allows people with Intellectual disabilities to feel included,” Pastor Sangwa continued.
The Saturday competitions allowed people with intellectual disabilities to interact with people without mental impairments while showcasing their talents, abilities, and commitment.
In the men’s 100-meter race, Fabrice Niyibeshaho, a competitor from the Kayonza District, finished in second place. He wasn’t satisfied, therefore his dedication drove him to set a target for the upcoming games.
“I did the 100 meters race; I am glad I emerged in the 2nd place but I believe that if I keep training, I will get first place. You can achieve anything if you set a goal, and next time I will surely come back stronger. My parents help me even though it’s hard but I will make it,” said Niyibeshaho, a Senior 4 student at Groupe Scolaire Kayonza.
In other disciplines, Ecole Sainte Bernadette de Kamonyi beat Lycée de Kigali 36-30 in a well-contested Basketball game. Lycée de Kigali’s Jane Dusabe’s 10 points earned her a most valuable player accolade.
In the men’s football competition, Lycée de Kigali triumphed in front of their home supporters despite facing a challenging test against GS Karama. In the thrilling women’s match, GS Kimisagara prevailed after a 0-0 full-time result allowed them to win 6-5 on penalties.
Following the quota below, 16 competitors will be selected to represent Rwanda at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany;
- Athletics: 3 athletes comprising two males and one female.
- Bocce: A team of two athletes, one male, and one female.
- Football: A team made up of 11 female players.
In her closing remarks, Nyarugenge Deputy District Executive Administrator, Mrs. Esperance Nshutiraguma, praised the efforts made by Special Olympics Rwanda and the government to help persons with Intellectual disabilities feel respected. She picked up a new sport and right away saw the advantages of playing bocce.
“It is really amazing. We appreciate the work done by their mentors and coaches, and we are grateful to the children.”
“Personally It was my first time to see bocce, However, it helps to promote a child’s brain development, it helps to develop motor skills, and it also helps children to relax and live with others in harmony just to discover the love of society,” said Nyarugenge DDEA
“We are very grateful to the Special Olympics and particularly the wisdom of our government to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities,”
Special Olympics Rwanda is a nongovernmental organization affiliated with Special Olympics International in 2003 with a mission to provide year-round sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience, joy, and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
