The Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth (Miniyouth) have commemorated former MIJEUMA staff who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The joint event between the two ministries, which took place Wednesday afternoon, was attended by the presence of Youth Minister Rosemary Mbabazi, Sports Minister Esperance Nyirasafari and former Prime Minister Dr Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi, among other guests.

Over 2000 people participated in the well-attended function at Amahoro Indoor Stadium. 

Thirty-four staff of the former Ministère de la Jeunesse et du Mouvement Associatif (MIJEUMA) are known to have been killed during the Genocide.

During her address, Minister Mbabazi, who was the guest of honour, urged youth to "make good use of the opportunities they are provided with,” and reminded them that they hold the future of the country in their hands.

"Love your country, and love one another.”                                                                                                          

Tharcisse Sinzi, a former karate player and Genocide survivor who rescued many with his karate skills, shared his testimony with the youths at Amahoro Stadium.

Sinzi asserted that being a karateka helped him to survive along with his colleagues, and challenged the youth to join sports because, it gives them confidence and also equips them with skills that would help them to overcome challenges in life.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com