Rwanda ready to host memorable Chan 2016

By Julienne Uwacu Rwanda is ready to host a memorable African Nations Championship (Chan 2016) from January 16-February 7. With just over a month to go and as excitement builds up, organisers are putting the final touches on the preparations for the continental tournament that will attract 16 qualified teams and fans from across the African continent. We are very delighted with the Caf compliment that we are on the right track and there is no single trace of doubt that we shall host a memorable event that will leave a mark on the country. Just like H.E President Paul Kagame stated at the draw ceremony last month: “Rwanda is honoured to host the next African Nations Championship. We are going to have a great championship. “Football belongs to everybody equally. Its rules and values are universal; that is why the players, and everyone else involved, are expected to be role models of excellence and sportsmanship. Let’s give the fans what they deserve,” the President added. You can sense the growing excitement in Rwanda as we prepare to host a tournament of such magnitude. We have done this before when we hosted the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2011 Africa Under-17 Championship that were very successful. Everyone expects a lot from Rwanda and we are ready to deliver like we always do. We are very committed to making this happen once again. The four venues (Amahoro Stadium, Kigali Regional Stadium, Huye Stadium and Umuganda Stadium) that will host the group matches are ready after thorough renovations. Rwanda’s commitment to the development of infrastructure has seen the installation of state-of-the-art playing grounds, dressing rooms, pavilions and parking lots that meet international standards at the above venues. Because of the good road network across the country, a well-coordinated transport system will ensure that teams, fans and journalists can get to the stadiums with ease. We also take security very seriously in Rwanda and we shall ensure that everyone is safe throughout the tournament. Volunteer training is ongoing while community programmes are being carried out across the country to make Chan 2016 a memorable event. Hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment centres will open their doors throughout to make everyone’s experience a worthwhile one. Rwanda’s cultural entertainment will add a unique feel to the multi-national tournament that will also serve as an introduction to the history of Rwanda as a resilient nation that has overcome a dark past to soar to unimaginable heights. Attention to detail has been crucial in meeting our set targets and we can comfortably say that we are good to go; we are ready. As we look forward to the day we welcome Africa to Rwanda, please note that all Africans can receive visas on arrival at any point of entry. The author is Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture. This article was first published by supersport.com editorial@newtimes.co.rw