Former national long-distance runner Serge Gasore, through his ‘Gasore Foundation’ plans to organize a Peace and Reconciliation athletics competition on June 12 in Ntarama, Bugesera District. Gasore earned a scholarship to study in the US and has written a book to inspire the youth to live their dreams. (Courtesy) Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview, Gasore said the competition is aimed at contributing to peace-building effort and will include; Walk Race, Run for Fun and a 15km competitive event, which will be open to all athletes in both genders. By channeling his energy into using athletics to build peace and reconciliation in his home town, the former athlete believes athletics can be a symbol to provide a useful way of creating an environment in which people live together in harmony and work towards achieving the same goals and respect for one another. “All these aspects are crucial to peace-building process; it brings people and communities together. Athletics as any other sport fosters social integration among different groups,” he explained. The retired long distance runner and a graduate with a Master’s degree in Global Information Technology from USA, is convinced that Rwanda is blessed with a lot of untapped talent, and with such an event, talent will be detected. He noted that, “Upcoming youngsters, and more youth can be encouraged to join sports and we need to invest in sports, train coaches and build better infrastructure in rural areas like Ntarama.” ‘Gasore Foundation’ plans to partner with the Rwanda Athletics federation (RAF) to ensure the race is an annual event on the national sports calendar. Gasore says the initiative is part of his dream to inspire youth. He is a genocide survivor, who authored a book “In My Day to Die: Running for My Life.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
