Athletes withdraw threat to shun WXC

The two senior athletes, who had threatened to boycott the World Cross Country Championships set for this Saturday in Amman, Jordan, have changed their mind and have since made the trip to the Middle East. The Rwandan ten-man delegation that comprised of eight athletes, their coach and one athletics federation official flew out of the country Wednesday afternoon. The athletes had threatened to snub the IAAF championships citing what they called “meager allowances”. Initially, the athletes had been promised $300 each in allowances, and they were to get it in installments. But after learning of the athletes plan, the federation authorities called a crisis meeting before the team’s departure on Wednesday and an increment of $100 was agreed upon. “We are giving them an additional $100, and they’re supposed to get their money before leaving for the competition,” the team’s coach Innocent Rwabuhihi told Times Sport before departure. The team that departed for Amman includes five boys and three girls. The boys are; Jean Baptiste Simuceka, Gervais Hakizimana, Eric Sebahire, Felix Nyirenganya and Sylvain Rukundo while the girls are; Adeline Musanyezeu, Jean d’arc Mukakigeli and Claudette Mukasakindi. Ends

Lifestyle

Athletes withdraw threat to shun WXC