Young athletes in Rwanda’s Southern Province are calling for more sports coaches and better facilities in schools, saying stronger support is needed to turn emerging talent into competitive athletes.
The appeal came Sunday as a two-week talent development camp under the Ministry of Sports’ Isonga program ended in Huye District.
Young athletes in Rwanda’s Southern Province are calling for more sports coaches and better facilities in schools, saying stronger support is needed to turn emerging talent into competitive athletes.
The appeal came Sunday as a two-week talent development camp under the Ministry of Sports’ Isonga program ended in Huye District.
Kundwa Ntirenganya Happy, who represented participants at the closing ceremony, said the training had improved their skills but that many face limited opportunities to continue developing once they return to school.
“We leave here having developed our talents to an encouraging level, but things are different when we return to our schools,” she said, calling for coaches in different sports to be made available at schools.
She also urged authorities to continue training during school holidays and invest in modern sports facilities that can withstand sun and rain while reducing the risk of injuries.
Coach Kamasa Peter called for the camp to be extended from two weeks to four, saying additional time would allow participants to sharpen their skills through more competitions and gain exposure to international sport.
He also proposed regular competitions in primary and secondary schools, saying frequent competition would give young athletes more opportunities to improve.
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire said the government would continue the program and expand it to more sporting disciplines.
“This program will continue until it reaches different talents,” she told participants. “What we ask of you is to recognize the value within yourselves.”
More than 2,000 children under 17 participated at five sites across Rwanda. They trained in football, volleyball, basketball, handball, swimming, cycling, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, table tennis, sitting volleyball, refereeing and first aid.
The Southern Province hosted 967 participants, followed by Kigali with 468. Rubavu, Musanze and Rwamagana each hosted 206.
