Team Rwanda captain James Sugira has said that Rwandan athletes are ready to make the country proud as the Africa Youth Games kick off today and close on May 31 in Gabarone, Botswana.

"Our aim is to make the country proud, we are hungry and ready to do better, and we believe we can win some medals,” said the 18-year-old youngster, who will compete in the boys’ 1500m and 3000m.

Sugira leads Team Rwanda that includes four runners, four basketball players, one boxer, six riders, one fencing player, one golfer, four Karate players, two tennis players, one swimmer, two table tennis players, four for Taekwondo and eleven volleyball players.

"We know we are going to face tough teams but we have received everything to prepare for the tournament and we will go there and give our best,” Sagira added.

Meanwhile, the president of Rwanda National Olympic Committee, Robert Bayigamba has challenged the youth team to give their best during the tournament.