Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) and the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) on Tuesday officially launched the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Youth Games.

The inaugural ANOCA Zone V Youth Games will run from April 2-6 in Huye District. RNOSC president Valens Munyabagisha said the move is part of efforts to promote sport and a peaceful society.

"The Rwandan government has over the years been working on rebuilding the nation and promoting social cohesion and we are pleased to help further this cause,” he said.

Sports and Culture minister Espérance Nyirasafari said the games will provide an opportunity to educate the youth about the impact of sport in promotion of peace, unity and reconciliation in society.

The competitions, designed for youngsters aged between 16 and 18, will see around 350 athletes vie for medals in different sports.

The multidisciplinary competition will comprise of cycling, athletics, taekwondo, beach volleyball and 3x3 basketball, a form of the game played with three a side.

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