FRVB, REMA hold inaugural climate action volleyball tournament in Gisagara

Gisagara District will host the 2026 Climate Action Volleyball Tournament from May 29–30, featuring top Rwandan clubs promoting elite performance and climate awareness.

Organized by the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) in partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the tournament promotes climate change awareness, youth engagement, and environmental protection through sport under their broader sustainability collaboration initiative.

The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties and aligns with Rwanda’s national commitment to sustainability ahead of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5.

The competition will feature both men’s and women’s categories, bringing together the top four teams from the 2025–26 Rwanda National Volleyball League.

In the women’s category, APR WVC, Kepler WVC, Police WVC, and RRA VC will compete, while the men’s category will include REG VC, Police VC, Kepler VC, and Gisagara VC.

The tournament format will follow official FIVB volleyball rules (2025–2028 cycle), ensuring international standards in officiating, rotation systems, and match control.

The competition will begin with a knockout-based semi-final structure, where the 1st-ranked team faces the 4th-ranked team, while the 2nd-ranked side meets the 3rd-ranked team in both categories.

Matches will be played in a best-of-five sets format, requiring teams to demonstrate tactical discipline, strong serve-receive systems, effective blocking schemes, and fast transition attacks to progress to the final stage.

Winners of the semi-finals will advance to the final on May 30, while the defeated teams will compete for bronze medals respectively.

Squad regulations allow each team to register up to 20 players for the tournament, with a match-day roster of 12 players.

Teams are also permitted a maximum of three foreign players.

Only registered athletes listed on official score sheets will be eligible to participate, ensuring strict competition compliance and fair play standards.

Each team is supported by coaching staff and medical personnel to ensure optimal performance and athlete welfare.

Beyond competition, the tournament carries a strong environmental message under the theme “A Global Call for Climate Action.”

FRVB and REMA emphasize that volleyball is being used as a platform to promote behavioral change, environmental education, and community participation in climate action.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), under the Ministry in charge of Environment, is the national institution mandated to oversee environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources in Rwanda.

REMA is responsible for implementing environmental policies, advising government on climate strategies, monitoring compliance with environmental laws, and promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The institution also plays a key role in environmental impact assessments, research, and public awareness to ensure sustainable development across all sectors.

FRVB officials noted that the partnership with REMA reflects a growing strategy to integrate sports development with national environmental priorities.

By leveraging volleyball’s popularity, the tournament aims to reach young people and communities with messages on sustainability, conservation, and climate responsibility.