Rwanda opts out of World University Games

FINANCIAL constraints have forced the National University of Rwanda (NUR) to pull out of this year’s World University Games (WUGs) taking place in Shenzhen, China from August 12-2, 2011. NUR’s head of sports and culture Albert Kayiranga told Times Sport yesterday that they will not be taking part because of lack of funds to send their two athletes at the Games. “We are not going to participate in the Games because we could not meet participation costs. The international body, FISU had promised to foot the bill but this was not honored on time,” added Kayiranga. Ignace Nsazimana and Jean Baptista Uwilingiyimana were expected to lead NUR’s quest for silverware in 100m, 200m, 5000m and 10000m respectively. In the past, FISU has met the expenses for three participants from Rwanda at the World University Games but this year, the university relied on FISU’s intervention which didn’t come. Initially, FISU provides flight and accommodation costs for universities that are unable to meet their team’s expenses on the African, Asian and South American continents. The Summer World University Games will host 23 sports, including athletics, swimming, football, badminton and golf. The Universidad is an international multi-sport event, organised for university athletes by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Ends