Seventeen local athletics coaches were on Friday awarded the international level I licenses after completing a 12-day training course at Urumuri Hotel in Gicumbi District, Northern Province.

Of the 17, only one is a woman – Clemence Umubyeyi.

The course, which was aimed at improving the coaches’ knowledge about the game in an effort to boost the level of athletics in the country, was organized by the local athletics governing body (RAF) in partnership with the German Embassy in Rwanda.

The course started with a total of 18 participants but one failed to get the pass mark to earn the level I coaching license.

German expert Torsten Tesch, an instructor from the international athletics body (IAAF) who conducted the course, appealed to the coaches to put the knowledge they acquired to action. 

He, however, also challenged RAF that such trainings should be allocated more time (than two weeks) in future.

"These trainings should take longer if the (benefiting) coaches are to acquire more knowledge and skills,” said Torsten.

"The coaches need to start applying the acquired knowledge immediately.”

Separately, RAF president Fidele Mubirigi urged the coaches to be devoted to their profession and all strive to see Rwandan athletics and athletes thriving on continental and world stage.

On the behalf of the Ministry for Sports and Culture, the Director of Sports, Didier Guy Rurangayire pledged ‘all possible support’ from the ministry and appealed to the newly upgraded coaches to commit to taking Rwandan athletics to a professional level.

Full list of the 17 Coaches:

Bruno Nduwayezu, Emmanuel Safari, Theogene Nshimiyimana, Aimable Buregeya, Manasse Bizimana, Nicholas Kamana, Emmanuel Ntirisanganwa, Jean Baptiste Murindarugamba, Pascal Mushiniyimana, Jean Nepomuscene Habineza, Timothy Bagina, Isaie Hirwa, Thadee Dusengimana, Jean Bosco Niyodusenga,  Laurien Musabyimana, Materne Mwenedata and Clémence Umubyeyi.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com