Rwanda has sent 243 students to Tanzania to compete in the 24th edition of the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) games, with the delegation aiming to improve on last year’s medal tally.
The students, drawn from secondary schools across the country, left Kigali on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for the competition, which will be held in Tanzania’s Morogoro region from Aug. 15 to Aug. 23.
Teams from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and host Tanzania are expected to take part in 16 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball and volleyball.
Rwanda won four medals at last year’s games in Kakamega, Kenya, taking two gold and two silver medals.
Igiraneza David, who plays for Collège George The Fox Kagarama in Kicukiro District, said the team was determined to return home with a victory.
“Our goal is to win, and given the preparation we have done, we are ready to compete and make our country proud,” he said.
Volleyball player Uwase Diela said the students understood the responsibility that came with representing Rwanda.
“We have prepared and are ready to work hard. We have to represent Rwanda well and make the country proud,” she said.
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana urged the students to give their best while maintaining discipline during the competition.
He cautioned them against alcohol and other behaviour that could endanger their health, saying their conduct both on and off the field would reflect on Rwanda.
“Remember that you are ambassadors of Rwanda,” Nsengimana told the students.
The Rwandan delegation also includes medical personnel and officials responsible for the students’ welfare, monitoring matches and providing other support.
The tournament will bring together school athletes from across the region as they compete for honours in 16 disciplines.
