Healthy Woman: Women moving with sports

On Saturday March 12, 2011, the Rwanda National Olympic and Sport Committee through its Women and Sport Commission marked the 100th International Women’s Day with a ‘Women Olympic Day Walk’. The walk started at Amahoro Indoor Stadium (Petit Stade), commenced to Kisimenti roundabout, to KBC roundabout and then ended at the starting point. Women representatives in the sports sector, activists and girl-only schools such as Fawe Girls’ School and Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux participated. The theme was ‘Build a better world by providing women and girls with wider access to sport, fighting HIV/AIDS and diabetes as well as encouraging them to take leadership positions in sports administration.’ Dr. Charles Rudakubana, the President of the Rwanda National Olympic Committee said the walk was aimed at sensitizing and helping women realize their objectives by building a better World through providing women and girls with wider access to sport. “We want to encouraging young girls and women to take leadership positions in sports administration, fight against HIV/AIDS and Diabetes,” Rudakubana said.He further stressed that several institutions such as media organizations and the private sector should empower women to be active in sports sector. Sports helps in empowering women by changing attitudes and realizing their potential of excelling in different sports disciplines. Charity Rugo, a senior two student at FAWE Girls School was enlightened. “Although I try to play football at school as a by the way, today I have discovered that as a girl, I can excel and earn a living from sports. I also discovered that with sports, we can fight diseases such as diabetes,” Rugo said. The walk included diabetics who believe in physical activities as a healing process. Florence Musanabandi, a diabetic explained how sport helps in treating the disease. “Besides dieting, I exercise a lot. If I don’t exercise, I could get other complications like heart attacks that result from fats and sweets,” she said.Francesca Tengera , President of the National Women Council, encouraged youth to participate in sports for a healthier life. “It’s important to exercise or participate in sport at a tender age for better results in the future. During holidays influence your parents to also exercise,” Tengera advised. Sports and exercises strengthen muscles and bones. It also makes people mentally strong. Regular exercise boosts the immune system and prevents disease. Dorau2@yahoo.co.uk