WESTERN PROVINCE

The final games in feverish athletic competitions between O-level schools in Western Province resulted in victories for College St. Marie, Ecole Secondary Urumuri.

The college school for girls took the championship in basketball, as Ecole Secondary won trophies in volleyball and football. All games were played at College St. Marie.

The competitions involved all districts in Western Province, aiming to build peace and reconciliation through youth sports.
Sports president for Western Province Niyonzima Tarasis expressed "great joy” over the achievement, saying it was a major improvement over the previous years competitions, when some districts declined invitation to play.

"Thanks a lot for the big turn up,” said Tarasis. "Thanks for the discipline as well as the good performance. At least Western Province is assured of triumphing over other provinces.”

But some schools were disappointed with the management of the competition, especially those who won championships but could not go home with trophies.

"The basketball trophy is in Rutsiro because the school that took it didn’t turn up yet,” Tarasis said. "The football boy’s cup is in Kigali. We are sorry but next year sports will be more organized.”

Among the problems is that the Western Province sports ministry still lacks necessary funds to award second and third-place teams.

Ends