Over the weekend, Lake Muhazi in Rwamagana district hosted the Open Water swimming championships, a sport into which the local swimming federation (RSF) hopes to invest more and make it more popular.

The event in Rwamagana garnered fair support and enthusiasm, showcasing good young talents like 15-year-old Christian Byiringiro who won the 1,500m and 3,000m races.

READ ALSO: Open water swimming good for talent devt, says coach Ndoli

Currently, Rwanda has only nine open water swimming clubs, predominantly situated around Lake Kivu in the western region. Despite the sport’s modest status presently, RSF president Pamela Girimbabazi, said it has potential as she emphasised the importance of nurturing young talents for future international competitions.

"Open water swimming has yet to reach its full potential in Rwanda. We are beginning to create awareness through our budding talents. The talent showcased over the weekend signals a promising future. With proper training and support, we can cultivate professional swimmers who can compete on the global stage,” she said.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Girimbabazi stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

"We have a solid plan in place, with the federation, Ministry of Sports, and National Olympic Committee collaborating closely for successful implementation," she noted.

Byiringiro, the young double gold medallist, shared his aspirations for the future.

"I&039;ve dedicated myself to this sport from a young age, initially enjoying it as a hobby but now I am viewing it as a profession," he said.

Zephanie Niyonkuru, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, said they are committed to the sport's development.

"The championships showcased the passion and skill of our young swimmers," he said.

"The ministry is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to nurture these talents and will collaborate closely with the federation to offer unwavering support,” he added.