FEATURED: I&M Bank Rwanda champions inclusive sports at 3rd edition of 'Shoot for Inclusion'

The third edition of Shoot for Inclusion took place on March 1 at Paralympic Court and Petit Stade Remera, bringing together able-bodied athletes and those with disabilities to celebrate unity and inclusion in sports. I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, a key sponsor, played an integral role in the event, reinforcing its commitment to promoting inclusive initiatives across Rwanda. The event featured an exciting 3x3 tournament, the launch of the APR 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Challenge, and a thrilling inclusion game where athletes of all abilities teamed up. Through its sponsorship, I&M Bank Rwanda continues to champion adaptive sports, aligning with its core Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) values of inclusion and youth development. During the game, Team Mechack triumphed over Team William in a 35–29 victory which showcased talent for all abilities, proving that sport has no limits. ALSO READ: Sports on Wheels returns on March 2 According to Meschack Rwampungu, founder of Sports on Wheels (SoW), the annual Shoot for Inclusion event not only delivers thrilling action on the court but also showcases the incredible talent and resilience of athletes of all abilities. He also explained that the events serve as a platform to promote wheelchair basketball, raise awareness about people with disabilities, and advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion in sports. “It challenges the stereotypes and encourages support for adaptive sports across Rwanda, with friendly matches and diverse entertainment, our events convey the message that disability is not inability. We aim to foster an inclusive society that breaks barriers, promotes equity, and celebrates the abilities of all individuals regardless of their disability,” he said. Rwampungu also underlined the growth of public interest and fan engagement with each passing year, demonstrating how 'Shoot for Inclusion' is making a significant impact on raising awareness and fostering an inclusive sporting culture. “There are still challenges to overcome like sports wheelchairs costing between $1,000 and $5,000 which makes access difficult for many athletes, but another barrier to progress is inaccessible transportation options. However, with the growing awareness and engagement from key stakeholders we are making strides,” he stated. ALSO READ: Preps for 'Sports on Wheels' tournament in high gear Marie Louise Mukangoga, the president of the Rwanda Wheelchair Basketball Federation (RWBF), commended Rwampungu for creating 'Shoot for Inclusion', adding that it’s a great event where people with disabilities showcase how powerful they are and that society can support and celebrate them. “Society can support and celebrate how talented you are as a person with a disability. And people without a disability must join us in fighting against discrimination and championing the knowledge that those of us with disability can do anything, including sport,” she said. Stephanie Kabanyana, formally in the Australian National Wheelchair Basketball League, highlighted the progress that Rwanda has made in wheelchair basketball, noting that the game showed how strong the teams are when players of all abilities work to bring out each other’s strengths. Given that we're relatively new to the sport, the progress Rwanda has achieved to date is outstanding, and more importantly, sports like wheelchair basketball can enable greater self-determination, sustainable health goals, social cohesion, and economic growth. We have a saying in the disability community: 'nothing for us without us' – she noted.

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FEATURED: I&M Bank Rwanda champions inclusive sports at 3rd edition of 'Shoot for Inclusion'