PHOTOS: Les Dauphins conclude 2026 Swimming Camp as new talents emerge

Les Dauphins Swimming Club has concluded its sixth Swimming Summer Camp with a closing competition in Kigali, bringing together more than 100 children who spent two months developing their swimming skills, fitness and confidence.

The 2026 camp, held at the International School of Kigali (ISK) swimming pool in Kigabagaba, Gasabo District, ran from June 29 to August 30 during the long school holiday.

The camp attracted 102 children — 48 boys and 54 girls.

Of these, 60 children aged between three and 14 were participating in the camp for the first time.

The initiative was designed to provide children with a safe and structured way to spend their holiday while keeping them physically active and helping them develop important swimming and life skills.

Throughout the two-month programme, participants worked on water familiarisation, swimming techniques, endurance, coordination, water safety and overall performance.

The camp promoted discipline, teamwork, confidence and fair play while nurturing Rwanda’s next generation of swimmers.

For 50 of the first-time participants, the training resulted in sufficient progress to compete in the camp's final races. 

Ten children aged below five were still developing their basic swimming skills.

The closing event featured Breaststroke and Freestyle races over 50m and 100m distances, with boys and girls competing in their respective categories.

A separate Skills Demonstration was also held, allowing beginners to showcase the techniques they had learned.

Ngamije Dorah, Isaro Iliana, Rwigema Kaleb, Ntsinzi Galen, Ntare Ian, Ganza Chris and Reva Mutanyagwa were among the standout performers in the competition.

Uzayisaba Clarisse, a parent with two daughters training at Les Dauphins, said the camp had demonstrated the wider value of sport in children's development.

“Any sport, when you commit yourself to it, is beneficial,” she said. “I always tell my children that sport can become a career. Although they started training late because they were sitting their national examinations, I am impressed by the level they have reached.”

She urged parents to encourage children to participate in sport, arguing that physical activity can help them develop discipline and avoid spending excessive time on social media and electronic devices.

Les Dauphins coach Ndagijimana Gentil said participants had been introduced to different swimming strokes and encouraged them to continue practising after returning to school.

He also called on Rwanda Aquatics and other stakeholders to help provide modern training facilities and opportunities for young swimmers to compete at higher levels, including internationally and at future Olympic Games.

Club vice-president Juru Rugabira Pacifique thanked parents for entrusting their children to the club, saying the programme went beyond swimming.

“We welcome children as young as three to five years old. It is not only about teaching them to swim, but also helping them in their everyday lives by teaching them how to live with others and develop discipline,” he said.

Young swimmers Rwigema Kaleb and Ngamije Ntete Doriah said they would share what they learned with their schoolmates.

They added that training and competing alongside other swimmers helped them measure their progress, improve their times and build friendships.

Photos

Les Dauphins coach, Ndagijimana Gentil

Les Dauphins vice-president, Juru Rugabira Pacifique

Uzayisaba Clarisse, a parent with two daughters training at Les Dauphins

Ngamije Ntete Doriah 

Rwigema Kaleb