The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Rwanda on Thursday, November 20, celebrated World Children’s Day with young athletes and their parents in a ceremony held at the NPC Gymnasium in Remera. Rwanda joined the celebration of the annual day, which is observed worldwide on November 20. It was this year celebrated under the theme “My Right, Always.” With the attendance of officials from National Center for Child Development and Protection (NCDA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the event exclusively celebrated young athletes with disabilities who participate in various disciplines governed by the Paralympic Committee. Assumpta Ingabire, the Director General of NCDA, emphasized the irreplaceable role of parents in raising and protecting children with disabilities. She reminded participants that “respecting and fulfilling the wishes of children with disabilities is a shared responsibility.” ALSO READ: Rwanda bids to host 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup Fabrice Uwayo, Director General of the Sports Development Department at the Ministry of Sports, thanked the children and parents for their participation, noting that it was inspiring to see them actively involved in sports. “This is a good day for the Rwanda of tomorrow, and you are the ones building our future. Parents should continue to remember their responsibilities,” he said. The celebration also featured various recreational activities in various Paralympic sports disciplines including Boccia and Goalball. Huye won the Boccia trophy after defeating Gasabo 7–3, while in Goalball, Nyagatare performed strongly in dominant 8-0 victory over Rubavu. Dominique Bizimana, the president of NPC , stated that their goal is to continue increasing the number of children participating in different sports, expressing confidence that this target will be met soon. “It is our target. We want to include more sports for children to ensure inclusiveness in Rwandan Paralympics,” Bizimana said.
