With one week until the start of the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Huye District, Egypt is the latest nation to confirm their participation at the inaugural edition of the event, which runs from April 2 through 6.

Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) revealed the development on Tuesday.

Egypt joins eleven other countries namely; Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Eritrea, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan and hosts Rwanda as well as the guest nation France.

According to RNOSC president, Valens Munyabagisha, the multidisciplinary competitions will in future serve qualifiers to Africa Youth Games.

"We hope that we can use these games as a qualification platform to the continental games going forward. We are expected around 350 athletes, and everything is in place for a successful event.”

3x3 basketball teams named

Meanwhile, head coach Moise Mutokambali has named teams that will represent Rwanda in 3x3 basketball at the five-day showpiece.

The youth teams, in boys and girls’ categories, will vie for honours in the three-a-side basketball contest against teams from Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan,

The male team includes Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Bruce Mudende Rutishisha, Thierry Nkundwa and Landry Irumva, while the girls’ quartet comprises; Hope Butera, Deborah Iryimanivuze, Sifa Joyeuse Ineza, Deborah Iryimanivuze and Faustine Mwizerwa.

The two teams are holding daily training at Lycee de Kigali (LDK) gymnasium.

Besides the 3x3 basketball, the over 300 athletes will also tussle it out for medals in four more disciplines namely; taekwondo, beach volleyball, athletics and cycling.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com