Rwanda National Police (RNP) will participate in the third edition of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) Games to be played from August 25 through September 1, in Nairobi, Kenya.

EAPCCO is a regional law enforcement body bringing together 14 member countries. Founded in 1998, the body was established as a regional practical response to the need to join police effort against transnational and organized crime.

RNP, which swept 45 medals including 25 gold medals during the competitions’ second edition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last year, will compete in six disciplines this year; football, handball, athletics, Karate, Taekwondo and shooting.

While briefing the teams prior to their departure, on Friday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza urged them to "aim to be the best.”

 "You can have enough training but without discipline, respect, determination and the spirit of sacrifice you are aiming for failure,” IGP Munyuza told the teams at the RNP headquarters in Kacyiru.

He added: "You should not be seen and viewed by your name but by your country, and that definition as a Rwandan is by your character, respect, uniformity and teamwork.”

"Success is a result of hard work, so don’t partake in this competition just for the sake of it, go with a winning spirit and strive for it as an individual and as a team.”

The Police Chief reminded the teams that they are not only representing Rwanda National Police but their country as well. "This is a national duty, be defined by national values and raise the national flag high.”

The RNP handball team goes into this third edition as defending champions after beating Twiga of Tanzania 21-19 in last year’s final.

In Karate, RNP male and female teams also emerged the best overall last year, bagging a total of 14 medals; seven gold, six silver and one bronze.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com