The Legends Visit Rwanda, a global promotional tour for the Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) 2024, touched down in New York City on Thursday, September 14, as a prelude to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from September 18 to 19. This corporate event, conducted in collaboration with UN Rwanda, served as a platform for fostering diplomatic ties and discussing sustainable development goals. The event took place at Marmara Park Avenue Hotel in Manhattan, uniting local media, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and other stakeholders in a shared celebration of the upcoming VCWC 2024. ALSO READ: Samuel Eto’o graces Legends in Rwanda promotional tour in Qatar Rwanda will play host to a gathering of football legends and veterans from around the globe during the VCWC 2024, scheduled for May 2024. This tournament is an opportunity for former players to showcase their talents once again and, more importantly, to contribute to noble causes. Amb Claver Gatete, Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, kicked off the proceedings by expressing gratitude for selecting Rwanda as the inaugural host for the VCWC 2024. He underscored the significant role sports plays in maintaining peace, fostering unity, and driving economic growth. ALSO READ: Football legends in Rwanda Fred Siewe, Chairman of VCWC, expanded on the event's purpose, emphasizing its role in facilitating connections, collaborations, and contributions to sustainable development. He noted that Rwanda was chosen to host this tournament based on three core elements: safety, security, and environmental sustainability. These pillars align with Rwanda's ethos as a nation that values the well-being of its visitors and the preservation of its environment. Josephine Ulimwengu, Strategic Planning and Team Leader at the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, delivered a message on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. She reiterated the UN's strong commitment to ensuring the success of VCWC Rwanda 2024 in advancing the UN's global goals, particularly in the realm of sustainable development. ALSO READ: Visit Rwanda: A truly trusted brand The event's agenda unfolded with presentations from VCWC Team captains, discussions on forum themes, introductions of strategic partners, and an overview of the multitude of partner events planned for the ten-day extravaganza. Regis Isheja, the host and spokesperson of VCWC Rwanda 2024, engaged in a conversation with Brazilian Legend, Jose Edmilson who expressed his excitement about reuniting with former teammates in Rwanda in 2024. He highlighted the unique character of the event, describing it not only as a gathering of 150 Legends but also as a congregation of 150 entrepreneurs. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s choice of FC Bayern is ‘a strategic match for tourism and sports growth’ On the sidelines of the presentation conference, the VCWC team conducted crucial meetings with high-ranking UN officials. As the VCWC 2024 tour continues, the next destinations on the international itinerary include Dubai, United Arab Emirates on September 19, Lagos, Nigeria on October 5, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on October 10, Johannesburg, South Africa on October 13, and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on October 18.
