At least 43 youngsters graduated from a gymnastics camp that ran for more than a month, starting in early July and ending on August 9 at Ecole Notre Dame Des Anges in Remera, Kigali. Organised by Noel Nkuranyabahizi, an experienced Rwandan instructor who guides both children and adults through elementary gymnastics techniques, the camp gave the youngsters opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, with sessions divided into education and values-based sports including gymnastics, karate, football, and traditional dance. ALSO READ: World gymnastics boss visits Rwanda Nkuranyabahizi is a sports scientist and social worker with more than 10 years of experience working with schools, children, and refugee athletes. Speaking about the camp, he explained that it helps improve the youngsters’ confidence, creativity, teamwork, and healthy living, while also identifying young talent, especially in underserved communities. Bhawana Sevak, mother of 12-year-old Vrunda Sevak, spoke to Times Sport about how such a camp is important for her daughter. “She has been doing gymnastics since she was four, and this camp helps me see the level she has reached. Additionally, it not only develops gymnastics skills but also strengthens the children mentally and physically.” Isaac Ihoza, father of eight-year-old Iana Ihoza Neza, said the camp has helped children face life’s challenges and overcome obstacles through gymnastics, while also boosting their confidence. ALSO READ: Holiday camps that keep youth active, inspired, and learning “Children of this generation depend heavily on technology, and these activities help reduce their screen time,” he said. Ihoza added that he had enrolled his daughter in other camps, such as piano and karate, but she showed little interest in them. However, when she joined the gymnastics camp, she developed a genuine passion for it. Innocent Munyandamutsa, Technical Director of the Rwanda Gymnastics Federation, said it is encouraging for children to have a camp like this where they can express their gymnastics talent and potentially advance to an international level. “It promotes discipline, respect, teamwork, and well-being, reaching 150 children directly and impacting around 650 more through national outreach programmes,” he said.
