Twelve countries have confirmed participation in the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, which will take place from August 21-24 on the shores of Lake Kivu, in Rubavu District.

According to the Competitions Director of the Beach Volleyball World Tour, Christian Hatumimana, the twelve countries in both the men and women categories are: Cote D’Ivoire, England, Netherlands, Slovenia, Denmark, Japan, Canada, Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus and the hosts Rwanda.

"Rwanda will field three teams in each category. The team started intensive preparation last week and will enter residential camp on Wednesday in Rubavu,” said Hatumimana

The competition will run for four days.

It is the first time the competition is being held in East Africa and will use a budget of Rwf350 million.

Rwanda teams:

Men’s teams: Venutse Gatsinzi and Fils Habanzintwali, Christopher Mukunzi and Flavien Ndamukunda as well as the partnership of Alfred Muvunyi and Yves Niyonkuru

The women’s teams include: Charlotte Nzayisenga and Judith Hakizimana, Louise Muhoza and Hope Musaniwabo and, the pair of Christine Nyirarukundo and Pacifique Umulisa.

Coach Sammy Mutemi Mulinge is training the men’s teams while Jean Luc ‘Kizungu’ Mbonyuwontuma is in charge of the women teams.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com