The National Paralympics Committee (NPC) president Celestin Nzeyimana has said that the body will continue to empower women with disability through sports.

Nzeyimana made the remarks during the women with Disability Day tournament that came to an end over the weekend in Musanze District.

"Lack of self-esteem among the disabled women has made most of them discouraged and fell  dejected in society. They deserve something in life, so we shall help them develop trust in themselves, and support them to understand that they can become whatever they want,” he said.

As part of activities to mark the International Day of People with Disability slated this Sunday, the women’s annual Disability Day tournament was organised in Musanze district with six teams taking part in the games.

Intwali of Gasabo retained the trophy after overpowering Gicumbi by 3-1 sets.

The first set was won by Gasabo (25-19) then Gicumbi came back into the game by winning the second set 18-25 but could not stop the foes that were fired up in the third set that ended 25-15. Intawali made no mistake taking the third set 25-24, hence sealing the victory. 

In the third and fourth playoffs, Musanze beat Bugesera 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 23-25 and 25-20) to finish in third and fourth places respectively.

As winners Gasabo walked away with Rwf 250,000 while Gicumbi earned Rwf 200,000, Musanze bagged Rwf 150,000 the rest received Rwf 100,000 each.

Disability Day, or the International Day of People with Disability, is a day that has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992.

The aim of Disability Day is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, as well as raise awareness about the benefits of integrating disabled persons into every aspect of life.

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