Former sports activities journalist and administrator Fidèle Kajugiro Sebalinda was laid to relaxation on Monday at Rusororo Cemetery in Gasabo District, as relations, associates and members of Rwanda's sports activities neighborhood gathered to pay their last respects.
The burial introduced collectively athletes, journalists, sports activities directors and kin who got here to honour the lifetime of a person broadly remembered for his dedication to sports activities, media and mentorship.
Feelings ran excessive as tributes poured in for Sebalinda, who was considered considered one of Rwanda's {most professional} and versatile sports activities journalists, significantly throughout his time on the former Workplace Rwandais d'Info (ORINFOR).
Sebalinda, who handed away on June 13 on the age of 60 resulting from sickness, was a revered and influential determine within the nation's sporting panorama.
Earlier than constructing a distinguished profession in journalism, he was an achieved volleyball participant, excelling as each a setter and libero. He later transitioned into teaching and served as head coach of Les Colombes Volleyball Membership, the place he performed a key function in nurturing younger expertise whereas selling self-discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Within the media, Sebalinda earned widespread recognition as one of many most interesting sports activities commentators on Radio Rwanda, admired for his data of the sport and skill to attach with audiences.
Past journalism, he served as Director of Sports activities Growth on the Rwanda Nationwide Olympic and Sports activities Committee (CNOSR), working intently with sports activities federations and establishments to advance athlete growth and strengthen sports activities buildings throughout the nation.
Talking in the course of the funeral service, his elder brother, Antoine Sebalinda, described him as a person of integrity whose life was outlined by service to others.
“Fidele was greater than a colleague. He was a brother to many people. He believed that sports activities construct character and unity. That’s the legacy he leaves behind,” he stated.
Relations famous that Sebalinda's ardour for sports activities by no means diminished. Even in his later years, he remained actively concerned within the sporting neighborhood—attending matches, supporting groups and inspiring younger athletes to pursue excellence, teamwork and respect.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from sports activities federations, golf equipment and associations, all acknowledging his important contribution to the expansion and growth of sports activities in Rwanda.
Many remembered him as a humble, hardworking skilled whose dedication to truthful play, excellence and repair left an enduring influence on generations of athletes, journalists and sports activities directors.
