Tough task awaits Rwanda in sitting volleyball qualifiers

Rwanda will be looking to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in both the men and women’s sitting volleyball categories when the 2015 Paravolley Africa Sitting Volleyball Championships are hosted in Kigali from July 23-29 at NPC gymnasium at Amahoro stadium. Rwanda represented Africa alongside Morocco at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, becoming the first sub-Saharan country to compete at the prestigious stage which had since its inception in 1976 been dominated by North African countries. However, a change in the quota system by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has seen the world body hand Africa one slot in each of the gender categories, a feat that means Rwanda has to overcome Maghreb giants Morocco and Egypt to claim the only available slot. “We are aware of the challenge ahead and we know the North African countries are strong. However, we have been preparing really well and are going to double our efforts in the next one month to make sure we qualify for the Rio 2016,” explained Celestin Nzeyimana, National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Rwanda president. Rwanda came from a set down to defeat Morocco 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 25-22, 25-23) in the classification game to finish ninth overall with the North Africans settling for 10th position. That result did not go down well with the Arabs who have since promised to avenge the loss and next month’s competition has presented the right opportunity. Rwanda’s head coach Jean Marie Nsengiyumva told Times Sport that, “It is definitely going to be a tough tournament but we are preparing for the challenge ahead and we hope that playing at home will give us an advantage.” Debutants Algeria and Kenya too have confirmed participation while Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda are yet to confirm participation following financial constraints as each participant is required to pay €750 to cater for accommodation, food and transport for the 10 days they will be in Rwanda. For the first time since the introduction of the women’s category at the Paralympic Games in 2004 in Athens, Greece, Africa will be represented at the Summer Games. Rwanda, Egypt and Kenya have confirmed participation while Burundi, Uganda and DRC are facing financial constraints. The international rules state that for a competition to take place, four countries must compete. Nzeyimana revealed that they are trying to get to an agreement with the African Paralympic Committee to find a solution for instance finding cheaper accommodation for the countries that are yet to confirm. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Tough task awaits Rwanda in sitting volleyball qualifiers