BEIJING - Three-time Rwandan Olympian Pamela Girimbabazi has been chosen to carry the Rwanda flag at the opening ceremony of the 29th Summer Olympic Games due this afternoon in Beijing, China.

The Chef de Mission for the Rwandan team, Thierry Ntwali told Times Sport yesterday that Girimbabazi was chosen to carry the flag due to her vast experience in the Olympic Games.

"She (Girimbabazi) is making her third appearance at the Olympic Games and this was the only criteria taken while choosing the athlete to carry the national flag at tomorrow’s (today) opening ceremony,” Ntwali said.

A delighted Girimbabazi was happy on being announced the Rwandan flag-carrier at the opening ceremony.

She said, "It is a great honour for me to carry the national flag at such an international and  important event. Iam happy for having been chosen to lead the country,”

The 10000m long distance runner Dieudonne Disi who was earlier planned to carry the flag was ruled out because  he will arrive late at the Olympic village.

Disi who is finalizing his preparations for the 10000m event due next week is set to arrive in Beijing on August 10.

This year’s openninggames will start at 8:00 pm (2pm Rwandan time) and will last about four and half hours. At the opening ceremony, China’s Liu Huan and British girl Sarah Brightman have been chosen to sing the theme song.

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