The newly installed Rwanda Karate Federation (Ferwaka) commemorated the 1994 Genocide victims with a Never Again competition held at Lycee de Kigali over the weekend.

Opening the competition which is also the first event on the federation’s calendar this season, the Minister of Culture and Sport Joseph Habineza called upon the federation administrators to develop the sport from the grass root levels.

"This federation must work under one umbrella, a feat which will also help in quick elevation of the sport in the country,” Habineza said.

Habineza further added that holding regular championships would enable the sport to elevate, a feat which will grant them a right of claiming sponsorship from the Sport Ministry in preparation and participation in regional and international championships.

The local karate federation used this competition to remember several of their players as well as Rwandans who perished in the 1994 Tutsi Genocide. The Never Again competition drew participants from over twelve clubs.

In the children’s category (below 10 years), Kata level (exhibition), Josephine Uwayezu scooped gold, Grace Bamureke won silver and Peter Shema bagged bronze medal.

In the Girls’ category, Jackline Byamungu won gold, Angelle bagged silver and Dianne Umurerwa won bronze medal. In the boys’ category, Lambert Ntahirajya won gold, Peter Ntihinyurwa won silver as Master Rugeyo bagged bronze medal.

In Kumite (fighting) level, Thierry Nsanzumuhire won gold, Petit Maniragaba won silver and Phocas Murwanashyaka settled for a bronze medal respectively.

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