Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) has released a provisional 18-athlete contingent to start intensive preparations ahead of the 3rd African Youth Games due July 18-28 in Algeria.
The selection was made yesterday at Amahoro stadium and the young runners are supposed to start non-residential training this week before reporting to camp later this month.
The eighteen selected athletes are comprised of nine girls and boys, which will be trimmed to a final 6-runner roster, to represent the country at the quadrennial continental event next month.
Jean Pierre Ndacyayisenga, RAF Technical Director, was part of the selection committee.
"The boys and girls are starting non-residential training this week, and then enter camp in three weeks. From the eighteen, we will get a strong pack of athletes to represent the country – able to win medals,” Ndacyayisenga told Times Sport on yesterday.
Besides competing in athletics, Rwanda will also field representatives in beach volleyball and karate at the ten-day African Youth Games in the North African country.
The multidiscipline competitions will double as qualifiers for this year’s Youth Olympic Games scheduled for October 6-18 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Full provisional roster
Girls’ 3,000 meters: Agnes Ibishatse, Sandrine Mukamusana and Dorothe Nayituriki
Boys 3,000 meters: Aime Frodite Bakunzi, Assel Nsengiyumva and Jean Baptiste Niyomukiza
Girls’ 1,500 meters: Mediatrice Iradukunda, Christine Yamuragiye and Nadine Mahoromeza
Boys’ 1,500 meters: Dieudonne Ugeziwe, Placide Byiringiro and Gad Niyonkuru
Girls’ 800 meters: Belyse Nishimwe, Marthe Niyonkuru and Delphine Uwuzuyimena
Boys’ 800 meters: Victoire Ingabire, Samson Ncunguyinka and Uwumuremyi Olivier