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 closing respects.
The burial introduced collectively athletes, journalists, sports activities directors and family members who got here to honour the lifetime of a person extensively remembered for his dedication to sports activities, media and mentorship.
Feelings ran excessive as tributes poured in for Sebalinda, who was thought to be one among Rwanda's {most professional} and versatile sports activities journalists, notably 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 position in nurturing younger expertise whereas selling self-discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Within the media, Sebalinda earned widespread recognition as one of many best sports activities commentators on Radio Rwanda, admired for his information of the sport and talent to attach with audiences.
Past journalism, he served as Director of Sports activities Improvement on the Rwanda Nationwide Olympic and Sports activities Committee (CNOSR), working carefully with sports activities federations and establishments to advance athlete improvement and strengthen sports activities buildings throughout the nation.
Talking throughout 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.
Members of the family 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 vital contribution to the expansion and improvement of sports activities in Rwanda.
Many remembered him as a humble, hardworking skilled whose dedication to honest play, excellence and repair left a long-lasting influence on generations of athletes, journalists and sports activities directors.
