Paralympics team reflects on London disappointment

EARLY preparation and investment in more disciplines is key to winning medals at the Paralympics Games, National Paralympic Committee boss Dominique Bizimana has said.“I believe we should enter more athletes in the 2016 Olympic Games so as to increase our medal chances. We have talent that can do well in other disciplines apart from athletics,” he said.Bizimana was speaking in Kigali yesterday upon arriving from London with the Rwanda Paralympic team. The team, comprised of 14 athletes, including the sitting volleyball team (11), Hermas Muvunyi (400m and 800m), Théoneste Nsengimana (1,500m), and power-lifter Théogène Hakizimana (82.50kg), and six coaches and officials, returned home on Tuesday night following unconvincing performances in London.Bizimana said, “We were disappointed by failure to win a medal in the Paralympic Games. We had high hopes in Muvunyi and we all know what happened.”“On the other side, we are happy because we managed to accomplish our dream of sending a big number of athletes to the game compared to previous editions.”In sitting volleyball competition, Bizimana said they faced tough opposition in the tournament. “It was our first participation in the Games and we were drawn against good, experienced teams, thus the unfortunate performance.”“We gained experience and we are happy that we finished second in Africa and ninth in the world,”“Our target will be to dethrone Egypt which is ranked first in Africa,” added Bizimana.In athletics, Bizimana lamented that Muvunyi’s poor start cost him a medal in both 400m and 800m finals. “If he had started well, he would have won a medal in the 400m and failure to do so was a sign of inexperience.”“In 800m, Muvunyi never pushed Kenya’s Abraham Tarbei as some people claim but because of his disabled arm, he was seen moving the arm with him but it was not a deliberate act since both players are good friends,” he added.In Power lifting, men’s 82.50kg category, Théogène Hakizimana finished third in Africa and seventh in the world. He lifted 175kg, a great improvement from 158kg he held in the qualifiers in Dubai in March this year.Bizimana pointed out lack of experience and the good quality of opposition as the main problems that hindered their campaign.Way forwardBizimana, who has retired from playing sitting volleyball, wants the government to be involved in the preparation, development and exposure of the athletes prior to the 2016 Games. He also asked for more funding for adequate preparations.“It is about time we focus on young players and start preparing them. We should not wait for 2015; the right time is now.”“We should focus on athletes from other disciplines so as to increase our chances of getting medals in major events.”“We need to identify them, take them to regional training centres. Without preparations, there is no medal in both Olympic and Paralympic gGames.”However, Bizimana said it was time to draft in younger athletes to take over from the aging generation.Bizimana urged the government to appoint a national coach for sitting volleyball. “We should have a national coach for sitting volleyball just like other federations have permanent coaches to help identify new talents.”According to Bizimana, identified players should be prepared to compete in the qualifiers for 2014 World Cup and 2015 when qualifications for the next Olympics and Paralympics Games will be start.However, Bizimana is thankful to the government which prepared and supported the national Paralympic team, saying the fair performance registered was a result of government’s commitment and backing.The next Games will be staged in 2016 in Brazil.

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Paralympics team reflects on London disappointment