The 3rd edition of ‘Crossing of Umurambi w’Inyambo-Muhazi’ open water swimming gala is set for Sunday (today) at Lake Muhazi in Rwamagana district, Eastern Province.

The annual swimming gala, which is organized by the Rwanda Swimming Federation (RSF) in collaboration with Rwamagana district through Rwamagana Canoe and Aquatics Sports Club, will attract a total of 10 clubs from different parts of the country.

According to the RSF president Samuel Kinimba, the competition is aimed at detecting talents that will be gloomed as early as possible, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in mind.

He says swimmers (men and women) will compete in 50m freestyle, butterfly, breast stroke and back stroke while in long distance swimmers will compete for two kilometers, with each swimmer using a preferred style.

Kinimba further noted that, "The overall winner will be decided according to FINA Olympic qualifying time and whoever posts it or is the closest, will be selected for early preparations for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

Rwanda’s representative at the just concluded 2016 Rio Olympics; Eloi Imaniraguha from Karongi Canoe and Aquatics Sports Club, won last year’s edition which helped him to get a FINA scholarship to carry out his preparations in Thailand for one year.

Clubs that will compete in the one-day gala include; Rwamagana, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Gicumbi, Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle and Etincelles from Rubavu district, Karongi, Cerclie Sportif de Kigali, Thousand Kilos and Cool Water Canoe and Aquatics Sports Indengamivumbi from Kigali.

"Umurambi w’Inyambo” are two hills surrounding Lake Muhazi and it is believed that early Rwandan Kings grazed their Inyambo milk cows around this area. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw