The lack of financial muscle has stranded the registration of the 2000 athletics expected to run the 20km half marathon; may paralyze it, Rwanda Athletics Federation [RAF] officials have said. Funds are needed, according to Constantine Murenzi, RAF Secretary, to have the event prized well enough as part of making it more competitive. The event which has been off in the last two years will finally return in full swing on September 19. “We had wished to have secured sponsorship for the event early enough unfortunately that has not been the case. As things stand, we are most likely to take post- tournament pledges,” Murenzi admitted. He noted that, “Had we gotten the assurance at the earliest time, we should have started the registration process but we can not register now,” said Murenzi adding that although it’s still a bit early, registration needs to be done early so that more participation is big. Bralirwa and Bank de Kigali [BK] have promised their re-sponsorship but only for next year but pledged to give refreshments and kits towards the year’s event. “The two contract sponsors have agreed to consider the event in their next budget and we are glad that this event may not stop again,” he said. The Sports Ministry, according to Murenzi is not in good financial position to support the event and they [RAF] are waiting to hear from Kigali City is they can include the event in its Jubilee Cup budget.Ends
