Maputo African Games contingent reaches 131

RWANDA’S contingent to the 10th All Africa Games, which will take place in Maputo, Mozambique in September, has reached 131 following the recent qualification of basketball, volleyball and beach volleyball teams. Rwanda will participate in eleven sports disciplines at the upcoming games. The sports disciplines that include basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, athletics, boxing, tennis, table tennis, karate, swimming, cycling and sport for the disabled will all send their athletes. The 131 mark was confirmed by the Ministry of Sport’s director of sports Gaspard Kayijuka yesterday, who noted that the number increased due to the recent qualification of team events in volleyball, basketball and beach volleyball. “This is good because this shows how competitive federations have been in trying to have Rwanda represented at this year’s Games,” said Kayijuka, who is also optimistic on the country’s performance at the upcoming Games. “Our performance at this year’s event will be determined by the level of other countries. For individual sports, the level may not be so good but for team events since they qualified from zones, their representation will be good,” he explained. According to the official, there is no short cut to success and the government will do its best in offering extensive training for athletes such that Rwanda can compete effectively. In the last edition held in Algiers in 2007, Rwanda failed to win a medal. Dieudonne Disi came closest to the podium after a fourth spot finish in the half marathon. This year’s event is slated to run from September 3-18; attracting over 5000 athletes competing in 23 disciplines. Zimpeto stadium is the official venue for the Games. The continental tournament will also be a platform for the athletes to attain qualifying marks for the 2012 London event. Ends

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Maputo African Games contingent reaches 131