Rwanda has sent seven young athletes to Nairobi for the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, where they will compete in three disciplines from Aug. 24-28.
The athletes will represent Rwanda in athletics, cycling and swimming at the regional competition, which brings together young competitors from 11 countries.
The Rwandan delegation left Kigali for Nairobi on Monday morning.
In athletics, Abizera Sonia Eli Elohe will represent Rwanda under coach Kanyabugoyi Anicet.
Cyclists Shema Emmanuel and Akimana Donatha will compete under coach Byukusenge Nathan, with Maniriho Eric serving as mechanic.
Rwanda’s swimming team comprises Ntwali Jayden, Murenzi Sheja Kean, Keza Kalisa and Mugabo Aragsan, who will be coached by Rukundo Patrick.
The games, organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, feature six sports: cycling, swimming, athletics, tennis, 3×3 basketball and beach volleyball.
The Zone V Youth Games were first held in 2019, with Rwanda hosting the inaugural edition in Huye. The competition has since provided young athletes from the region with opportunities to gain international experience and prepare for higher-level competitions.
This year’s edition features athletes from Burundi, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
For Rwanda’s delegation, the Nairobi games will also serve as part of preparations for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for October and November.
