Games and sports ‘fundamental rights’ for children - Minister

WESTERN PROVINCE RUBAVU—Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Joseph Habineza has called upon parents to “give time to their children to participate in games and sports” since it was their fundamental right and helped them grow both physically and mentally. The minister revealed this on a recent visit to Rubavu to officially launch the main office of the “Right to Play”, an international organization that advocates for the children’s rights through games and sports. Habineza said that the interaction between children during such games helped them to not only exercise to stay healthy but also helped them to learn from each other various aspects of life. “Parents should value and spare some time for their children to play because interactions bring about unity, amongst them, and creates opportunities to teach children various developmental issues such as decision making.” The minister also called upon school leaders to include sports and games among their curriculum activities. He thanked Right to Play for their efforts in promoting games and sports in Rubavu district but said it should not stop on only that but should always organize lessons to pass to the children during that time such as awareness on HIV/Aids, unity and reconciliation among others. “Sports is not only good for children but also adults. Even as parents we should make sure we do some sports to keep fit and to keep proper movements of our blood. It is medically recommended for every adult to have at least 20 minutes each day of physical exercise to keep free from diseases such as heart attacks and high blood pressure” he said. Fred Musoni, on behalf of Right to Play, thanked the minister for his willingness to advocate athletics in the country and promised that the organisation would do more throughout the country. Right to Play is an international organization operating in Rubavu district and is currently working and giving lessons through games and sports to 10,503 in seven primary schools in Rubavu and is planning to have increased the number to 15 by February 2008. Ends