Special Olympics Rwanda set for Jamaica Beach Games

A 12-member Rwandan delegation will travel to Jamaica to participate in the 2026 Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Beach Games, scheduled for November 18–22 in Montego Bay.

The event will take place at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, bringing together more than 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners from Caribbean Special Olympics programmes, alongside Rwanda’s representatives.

Rwanda will compete in two disciplines, Beach Bocce and Open Water Swimming over 750 metres, with six athletes, two coaches, a medical doctor and three delegation officials making up the travelling contingent.

The delegation will be led by MUHIRE Patrick Guevara, Secretary General at Special Olympics Rwanda and acting National Director.

The participation marks another international opportunity for Rwandan athletes to demonstrate their abilities and gain valuable competitive experience as the country continues developing inclusive sport.

Founded in 2002 and accredited by Special Olympics International in 2003, Special Olympics Rwanda has steadily expanded its involvement in international competitions, providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in organised sport.

Rwanda’s international journey dates back to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, where the country participated with four athletes.

The programme subsequently sent 25 delegates to the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, and also featured at the 2011 edition in Athens, Greece.

At the 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles, United States, Rwanda was represented by three athletes, according to Special Olympics International’s country profile.

The country’s most recent major international appearance came at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany, where a 26-member delegation, including 15 athletes, competed in athletics, bocce and women’s seven-a-side football.

Rwanda enjoyed an impressive campaign, with Patience Irafasha winning gold in the women’s individual bocce competition, while Milliam Niyomukunzi secured bronze in the women’s 100-metre athletics event.

The women’s football team also reached the final, eventually claiming silver after losing to Belgium on penalties following a draw at full time.

These achievements underlined Rwanda’s growing competitiveness on the international Special Olympics stage.

The Jamaica competition offers Rwanda another opportunity to build on its international achievements while giving athletes valuable experience ahead of the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.

The delegation is expected to return to Rwanda on November 24, following a competition that will bring together athletes from different countries through sport, friendship and shared experiences.

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