Cercle Sportif de Karongi swimming club emerged winners of the 2024 national Summer Swimming Competition that took place at Nyamata-based La Palisse Hotel swimming pool on Sunday, July 28. ALSO READ: Rwanda gets 32 new swimming officials The team’s outstanding performance saw the come out on top at the annual competition, overcoming competition from Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, Rwesero, Les Dauphins, Rwamagana Canoe, Aquatics Sports, and Aqua Wave. In the 400-meter event, Cercle Sportif de Karongi clinched first place, followed by Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle in second while Les Dauphins emerged third. The Western Province-based club also excelled in the 200-meter distance, toppling Les Dauphins who followed in second position while Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle sealed third place. The competition featured over 80 swimmers competing across various age groups including 10-12 years, 13-14, 15-16, and seniors aged 17 and above. Participants fought for supremacy in the Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Relay events, covering distances of 50 meters, 100m, 200m, and 400m. Key contributors to Cercle Sportif de Karongi's success included Neema Nyirabyenda, Christian Byiriringo, and Christian Bukombe, who won medals in various categories that they competed. “I am thrilled that our team emerged as the best. Achieving first place is challenging, but our hard work paid off. The new equipment will support our preparation for future competitions, and our goal is to maintain our top position,” Nyirabyenda, one club’s top performers, said. Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi was among notable attendees at the tournament which was taking place in the district that he is in charge. Mutabazi commended the participants for showing a winning character and encouraged the young talents to venture into swimming, “which offers numerous opportunities.” While Bugesera was not represent at the tournament despite hosting it, the Mayor revealed that he discussed with Pamela Girimbabazi Rugabira, the president of the swimming body in Rwanda, about establishing a swimming team in the near future. “The discussions have been promising, and we plan to continue collaborating to host local swimming events with active participation from the local administration,” he said. The Summer Swimming competition attracted big turn as a big number of participants are students who are on academic holidays. “We are delighted with the participation, especially as the event took place during the school holidays. The discovery of new talents demonstrates the sport’s growth. Participants also received equipment to aid in their training, and we look forward to another competition before the holidays end to further gauge their progress,” swimming federation president Girimbabazi said.
