Innocent Nshimyumuremyi is a physiotherapist at Inkuru Nziza Hospital and the team doctor for the Rwanda National Rugby team. His compassion for handicapped children is what propelled him to study physical therapy in a bid to help them.

He later picked up passion for rugby and empathy for the players who were normally avoided by other therapists who had a phobia for the physical game. He talked to Sunday Times’ Sharon Kantengwa about his passion for physiotherapy and rugby.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Nyanza, Butare in 1979. I am married with 2 children. I studied physiotherapy at Inkuru Nziza Orthopaedic Hospital. I work at the hospital as a physical therapist.

What inspired you to become a physical therapist?

When I was around 9 years old, I used to meet handicapped children from Home de la Vierge des Pauvres (HVP) Gatagara (school for handicapped children), on my way to play basketball at Gatagara.  I would empathise with them when I would see them crawling or limping, and I felt the desire to help them to become just like the rest of us.

I became interested in learning physiotherapy for the sake of the children so I joined an Orthopaedic University in Bujumbura. When my father couldn’t afford my tuition I dropped out and came back home.

I met an American called Elizabeth Harding who liked me because of my knowledge of French. She sponsored my training to learn how totreat handicapped at Gahini Hospital , Kayonza for 4 years, after which I started working at Inkuru Nziza  church(in Huye) helping the handicapped.

And how did you end up treating rugby players?

I studied for a Vocational Training Certificate in sports and medical massage, for one and a half years at Amahoro Stadium and I fell in love with the game. I like the way they play tackling and celebrate winning by performing the famous ‘Haka’ dance. Gerald Nsenga was the national rugby team coach then and I told him I liked the game.  He asked me what I could do for the sport and I decided I would offer my services as a therapist. Many therapists avoided rugby because they were biased and perceived it as a "fighting” game.

I decide to volunteer as the team's therapist. I have also a therapist for our rugby players when they are taking part in the Federation of East African Secondary School Sports Associations (FEASSSA) Games in various editions hosted by Uganda and Kenya and Rwanda.  

What do you like about your work?

I love the fact that I am living my dream of treating the handicapped. Seeing a handicapped child being able to crawl then stand up, walk and run gives me incredible joy! I also get a feeling of contentment when I treat injured players and they are able to get back to the pitch and play successfully. 

What Challenges have you faced as a rugby therapist?

Many sports organisers do not know the importance of my work, and are reluctant to provide me with the necessary medical tools like knee braces, bandages and tape.

I get frustrated sometimes and I feel like giving up. Every sports team must have a nurse, a massage therapist and a physical therapist, which is not the case with many teams in this country, due to lack of personnel and insufficient funds one person does all.

This makes our work as sports therapists complicated. Sometimes the national rugby team goes for regional competitions without medical personnel which is risky. Fortunately, Tharcisse Kamanda the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) Secretary General understands the value of my work and we co-operate.

What do you tell people who would want to step in your shoes?

They need to have passion for the work, if they are looking for money, they will give up so fast. It requires hard work, patience and specialisation which means you have to get basic training in physiotherapy.