Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) on Friday officially launched a book dubbed ‘Imikino n’Intwaro Gakondo’ about traditional and cultural sports. The book, written by elderly experts, describes in detail the promotion and acquaintance of traditional and cultural values through sports. Speaking during the launch, RNOSC president Amb. Valens Munyabagisha, who thanked the elderly authors, said that the book is an ideal tool of great importance since “it reminds us about the integral traditional values of our society” through games. “It (the book) is important because it combines the elements of the Olympic Values – Friendship, Respect and Excellence – which we value so dearly in the Rwandan society,” he noted. He further added that the values underpin the games as a set of traditional principles, but they can be applied to our daily lives, as well as to sports. Over 32 traditional and cultural games were mentioned during the book launch at RNOSC headquarters at Amahoro Stadium, among them are; traditional wrestling, high jumping, archery, arm wrestling, swimming, stick fighting, ancient form of boxing, board games and boat racing. Emmanuel Bugingo, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports and Culture, said that the inclusion of these games among the youth as sporting activities would help them to better understand the beliefs and core values of the Rwandan society. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
