Sport is commonly outlined by medals, trophies and data. However the newly launched Rwanda Annual Sports activities Awards (RASA) purpose to look past victories, recognising people whose lifelong dedication has helped form Rwanda's sporting panorama and encourage future generations.
Bringing collectively athletes, coaches, federations, directors and company companions, the inaugural awards ceremony, held on the Kigali Conference Centre on Friday, July 10, celebrated not solely excellent performances over the previous yr but in addition the enduring contributions of the pioneers who laid the foundations for Rwandan sport.
Launching the initiative, RASA organiser Yvan Rwema described the awards as way over an annual celebration of sporting success.
“Past sport, this can be a platform to construct a legacy, develop younger expertise, create pathways, honour excellence and legends, and convey the sporting neighborhood collectively round achievement. Champions are made not solely on the sphere but in addition within the hearts of these they encourage.”
The night recognised present excellence whereas paying tribute to figures whose affect has spanned many years.
Among the many recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Longin Rudasingwa, one in all Rwanda's most revered soccer figures.
A former nationwide staff coach, Rudasingwa guided Rwanda by means of a few of its most important moments within the late Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s, serving to lay the foundations for the nation's trendy soccer growth.
One other Lifetime Achievement Award went to Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje, whose contribution to volleyball has stretched throughout greater than three many years.
Past his distinguished profession in academia and public service, Lyambabaje has remained deeply dedicated to the expansion of volleyball in Rwanda, each as a former nationwide staff participant and a long-serving administrator.
Receiving the award, the 66-year-old stated his biggest pleasure was seeing younger individuals embrace sport.
“For me, it’s a nice pleasure to see younger individuals attending these sorts of occasions. I hope we will help them see sport as a vital a part of their lives.”
Lyambabaje stated he hopes future generations will view sport not merely as competitors however as a lifelong companion.
“Sport offers you good bodily well being, good psychological well being and may also contribute to good monetary well being. If you mix these three issues, life turns into a lot simpler.”
Reflecting on his enjoying days, he was reluctant to deal with private achievements.
“Volleyball is the final word staff sport. It’s by no means about one individual. Generally you don't even contact the ball, however you assist your teammates so the staff can win.”
Nonetheless, one second stays particularly memorable: representing Rwanda on the World College Video games in Edmonton, Canada.
“That was the height of my volleyball profession. We additionally gained gold medals in regional competitions. These are reminiscences you always remember.”
But when requested how he hopes to be remembered, Lyambabaje steered the dialog away from medals and titles.
Having served as a professor, cupboard minister, college chief and sports activities administrator, he stated his biggest legacy lies in empowering others.
“I hope my college students use their data nicely. I would like younger individuals to imagine they’ll observe their very own path and attain even increased positions.”
His ardour for nurturing future generations extends past formal establishments. At his house, he has constructed a volleyball court docket the place younger gamers recurrently practice.
“It makes me comfortable to see younger individuals come and play. I need to cross on my love for the game.”
His recommendation to aspiring athletes was equally simple.
“Don't focus solely on the cash that sport can deliver. Sport is far more than that. It teaches friendship, teamwork and self-discipline—values that stick with you for all times.”
He additionally referred to as for higher funding in younger athletes by means of scholarships and programmes that allow them to pursue each training and sport.
The significance of recognising pioneers was echoed by State Minister for Sports activities Ngarambe Rwego, who praised the RASA initiative for celebrating people whose contributions proceed to form Rwanda's sporting panorama.
He additionally thanked the award recipients for sharing tales that encourage youthful generations to dream larger.
Sports activities leaders and personal sector stakeholders additionally welcomed the initiative.
Rwanda Premier League CEO Jules Karangwa stated the awards complement the nation's wider efforts to professionalise and develop sport.
“This RASA initiative provides to the various efforts already being made to assist the journey of creating sport in Rwanda.”
For Joseline Umulisa, founder and head coach of the Tennis Rwanda Kids's Basis, recognising former athletes and sports activities directors was lengthy overdue.
“This initiative was enormously wanted. The time had come for society to recollect our sporting icons, recognise their contribution and proceed giving them the motivation to maintain creating our sport.”
As Rwanda continues investing in each elite efficiency and grassroots growth, the inaugural RASA demonstrated that sporting greatness is measured not solely by victories and data, but in addition by the lasting legacy left on future generations.
