EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — The Minister of Culture and Sports has suggested that the Eastern Province Good Governance competitions be named after Godfrey Gahemba, the cycling star who died in a cycling race in Rwamagana district last Sunday.

Joseph Habineza, said this while addressing mourners who turned up for a requiem mass for the deceased cyclist at the Rwamagana Catholic Church on Monday.

He explained that the move would be a sign of appreciation and recognition of Gahemba’s contribution to the sports industry in the country. He also asserted that it would inspire other youth after knowing that ones’ recognition does not end with death.

"I will discuss it with my colleague, the Minister of Local Government to see that the games of Good Governance…. are named after Gahemba,” the minister told The New Times shortly after the burial.

The Good Governance games competitions are held annually. He said the Sports Ministry would collaborate with Rwamagana district and find a way of supporting the deceased’s family.

"We will discuss what we can do, may be we can organise a fundraising to raise something for his family,” he said.

Aimable Bayingana, the President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation, suggested that different Good Governance games be played in different provinces, and reserve cycling race for the Eastern Province- in memory of the fallen star.
Bayingana pointed out that Gahemba was still a young man whom the country could bank on in many international cyclist tournaments.

Gahemba, who was described as Rwanda’s rising star died at 17, after being hit by a vehicle during a cycling race in Rwamagana.

He represented Rwanda at this year’s Junior World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa, finishing in 162nd position after fellow Citizen Innocent Sibomana dropped out of the race.

And he also finished third in this year’s the Tour of Rwanda competition (1072 Kms) and emerged first in the junior rider category.

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