Rwanda’s lone representative at the Under-17 World Athletics Championships James Sugira left for Ukraine last night aboard Turkish Airline. The championship runs from July 10 to 14 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

The 17-year old, a Form Three student at Groupe Scolaire Kamonyi, was accompanied by his coach, Peter Ndacyayisenga.

Sugira, who will compete in the 3000m category, qualified for the world championship during last month’s national championship held at Amahoro stadium.

The qualification mark was eight minutes and 47 seconds and Sugira covered the distance in eight minutes and 40 seconds.

Rwanda Athletics Federation’s (RAF) Secretary General Johnson Rukundo told Sunday Sports, "He is leaving on Saturday night with his coach Ndacyayisenga.

"We don’t expect miracles from Sugira because this is his first time at the world stage but at least he knows he has to fight for the pride of his country.

"It would be a tremendous performance from him if he wins a medal but no one is putting him under any sort of pressure to go there and perform wonders. He just has to do his best and qualify for next year’s Juniors Olympics to be held in Ireland,” Rukundo explained.

According to the official, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is taking care of Sugira’s air-ticket, meals and accommodation while in Ukraine, while the local federation covers his upkeep.

Sugira and his coach are expected to come back one day after the championship on July 15.