Minisports, Special Olympics Rwanda call for greater inclusion through sport

The Ministry of Sports and Special Olympics Rwanda have called for stronger support for athletes with intellectual disabilities, urging families, communities and partners to create more opportunities for them to participate in sport and contribute to society.

The call was made during the closing ceremony of the National Special Olympics Championship held at Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera District, where 12 teams from across Rwanda competed in football, basketball, bocce and athletics.

Habyarimana Florent, a Ministry of Sports official responsible for physical education and sports development specialist, said people with intellectual disabilities should be given equal opportunities to participate in sport.

“People with intellectual disabilities are people like everyone else. When supported, they can contribute to the country,” Habyarimana said.

He said the Ministry would continue supporting initiatives aimed at developing athletes with intellectual disabilities, including advocacy for appropriate sports equipment and support for athletes preparing to represent Rwanda at international competitions.

Habyarimana also highlighted the planned participation of Rwanda’s national team at the World Championship in Santiago, Chile, scheduled for October next year.

Special Olympics Rwanda Chairperson Ambassador Karabaranga Jean Pierre commended parents for supporting their children and encouraging them to participate in sport and community activities.

“Founded in 2002, Special Olympics Rwanda has played an undeniable role in promoting the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly through sport,” Karabaranga said.

He said the organisation had reached more than 20,000 people since its establishment and continued to expand opportunities for athletes across the country.

Karabaranga said the national championship was important not only for competition but also for assessing athletes’ progress and identifying potential representatives for future international events.

The championship, which has been held more than 10 times, brought together teams from Muhanga, Ngoma, Huye, GS Kabirizi-Rubavu, EP Karwasa and VDOS Musanze, Burera, Tubiteho, Amizero, HVP Gatagara, Face of Love, Kayonza Community and Izere Mubyeyi.

Izere Mubyeyi won the football gold medal after defeating Amizero 2-1, while HVP Gatagara Muhura claimed basketball gold after beating Face of Love 15-10.

In athletics, Ngiruwonsanga Alex of Ngoma won the men’s 100 metres, followed by Niyibeshaho Fabrice of Kayonza and Yezakuzwe Joseph of HVP Gatagara.

Uwingeneye Therese of Muhanga won the women’s 100m, ahead of Gisubizo Anne Marie of Ngoma and Uwambajimana Adelphine of Muhanga.

Special Olympics Rwanda, established in 2002 and accredited by Special Olympics International in 2003, uses sport to promote inclusion and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Its programmes include athletics, bocce, football, swimming, basketball and volleyball, as well as Unified Sports, which brings athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together.

The organisation’s Unified Champion Schools programme further expands its inclusion efforts by promoting inclusive education, youth leadership and greater participation in school communities.

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Amb. Karabaranga said Special Olympics Rwanda promotes health and wellbeing through sport for people with intellectual disabilities

Habyarimana called for equal sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities