Women golfers will be looking to impress as the much-awaited 2023 East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy kicks off in Kigali.
The AllAfrica Challenge Trophy is a biennial continental women’s golf championship in Africa which was instituted in May 1992.
The 2023 edition is underway at 18-hole Kigali Golf Course from Wednesday, November 1, and will run through Friday, November 3. It attracted seven teams including host nation Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Zambia and Mauritius.
While officially opening of the tournament on Tuesday, October 31, Zephanie Niyonkuru, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, said that hosting the first regional golf tournament is privilege for thew country which is positioning itself as a sports events destination.
He pledged to offer a conducive atmosphere to participants and encouraged them to make the most out of it.
"This is a special year for golf in Rwanda because it is the same year when Golf registered with us," Niyonkuru said.
Alice Rwigema, the Director of East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy, welcomed participants from whom she anticipates tight competition.
"We will witness credible talents, and sportsmanship due to the unique nature of this tournament. I encourage everyone to perform at their maximum best," she said.
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Golf is one of the sports and the country is banking on in an attempt to raise the bar high in terms of sports tourism. The host nation is looking forward to hosting a successful competition at the 18-hole golf course so as to stand a chance to land rights to host more golf tournaments in the near future.
George William Kayonga, the Rwanda Golf Union chairman, commended the government for supporting the growth of the sport and showing its commitment to push it to another level.
"Thanks to the government, we are able to host the first regional competition on the course. We hope more competitions will be held here," he added.
The champions will take home the glittering trophy while individual prizes will also be up for grabs.