An international marathon that went “native”

Whoever was in charge of organizing the Fifth edition of Kigali International Marathon made clear one point: Privatization is the way forward. The event that attracted 3247 Athletes from the different parts of the world was an opportunity for Rwanda to market herself as a safe, clean, dynamic and vibrant place that is worth visiting and exploring business opportunities. Indeed many of the people who took part in the Marathon did it for reasons far removed from the cash prizes: for many it was the fun of taking part while for others it was the desire to support peace by “running for peace”. Many of these people spent more than the monetary value of the cash prizes on travel, accommodation and upkeep. What was important for them was to participate, finish and support peace not necessarily to win. The enthusiasm with which participants started the marathon up to the end was almost infectious. But then there were the organizers. Whoever organized the marathon must have decided that publicity was not part of organizing such events and consequently many people who should have been on the roadside cheering participants were surprised by the fact that an International event was taking place in Kigali. These are people who should have added colour to the event by their presence and cheering. The organizers decided otherwise and the number of people cheering told the story. The success of activities such as the Kigali International Peace Marathon depends in part to corporate sponsors. This is because corporations in the process of advertising their brands pay money that is used to improve amenities for participants. However, the organizers this time decided Coca Cola would suffice so they lost the sponsorship money and corporate entities lost an opportunity to advertise their brands. It is no doubt that Rwandans love their language Kinyarwanda but if the event is International, an International medium of communication should be employed to cater for the visitors. However, the Organizers decided to go “native” and the Kinyarwanda was employed. Even when English or French was spoken, it was not easy to decipher the message. So many visitors and International Athletes were left to guess what was being said. Wherever the idea of focusing on Kamonyi and APR teams came from on a day International events we will never know but could not the organizers get an opportune time and resources to organize an inter-district competition where Kamonyi and Ngororero could outrun each other? When time for the awarding of prizes came, it was a spectacle to behold as the organizers pulled possibly empty crates of Soda or beer for the podium. Was it so hard for them to order or fabricate something decent for a podium for an “International” event? Were the organizers reminded late that after an athletic competition awards are given out in recognition of outstanding performances? There were groups of International teams and athletes who surely deserved recognition and mention for their participation and love for Rwanda and peace even if they did not win awards. Mentioning these Athletes’ countries of origin and maybe their names would really reciprocate their gesture of goodwill towards Rwanda. Memorabilia in form of certificates of attendance or T-shirts would be a motivating token of appreciation. The athlete who run the distance on crutches needed special recognition for his effort. To add the “icing on the cake” was Rwanda Television who unexpectedly did what they do best: advocating for privatization. The presenters proved their masterly of Kinyarwanda but left many of their listeners and viewers who could not understand the language in the dark. They followed the cameras and told viewers exactly what the viewers had seen. There was no reference to the history, the symbolism and the importance of the event. They interviewed local dignitaries and athletes as if it was a “native” competition. Why not interview people who had spent their money to come to Rwanda and express their support for Rwanda and Peace on their impression of Rwanda and possibly encourage others to take part in the future. But the good Presenters chose to interview only the local “Celebrities”. The good TV people mounted their cameras on tripods and possibly stepped to Migina for “one-one” so the Rwandan viewers and possibly international audience, “since RTV is on “satellite”, were left to watch one poor Rwandan frantically waving a flag of possibly Columbia or some Central European Country to the amusement of a group of Caucasians who were like kids playing “king of the castle” with the TV camera and the huge screen within the stadium, for half an hour. When the good TV people finally came back they simply announced that they had come to the end of the live broadcast. My foot! RTV did not show the awards giving ceremony, the speeches (assuming they were not boring) and most annoyingly the cheering supporters. If the argument that Government should concentrate on putting in places laws and guidelines for the private sector to drive the economy needed any testimony, the Organization of the Marathon and Rwanda Television broadcast made a classic argument: Hire professional event Organizers and Rwanda TV should generate and run on its incomes. Maybe there could be some professionalism exhibited. Email: ekaba2002@yahoo.com