Rwanda has sent a delegation of young athletes to compete at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 24 to 28. The Team Rwanda delegation departed Kigali on Monday morning for the regional competition, which brings together young athletes from 11 countries. The 2026 edition features athletes from Burundi, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. They will compete in six sports disciplines: cycling, swimming, athletics, tennis, 3x3 basketball and beach volleyball. Rwanda will be represented in three disciplines—athletics, cycling and swimming. Team Rwanda delegation to Nairobi Athletics: Sonia Eli Elohe Abizera Coach: Annicet Kanyabugoyi Cycling: Emmanuel Shema and Donatha Akimana Coach: Eric Maniriho Swimming: Jayden Ntwali, Kean Murenzi Sheja, Kalisa Keza and Aragsan Mugabo Coach: Patrick Rukundo. The ANOCA Zone V Youth Games were first held in 2019, with Rwanda hosting the inaugural edition in Huye District. Since then, the Games have provided young athletes from across the Zone V region with an opportunity to gain international competition experience and test themselves against their peers as they progress in their sporting careers. Rwanda’s participation is part of efforts to expose young athletes to high-level competition and help them gain valuable experience as they develop along the country’s sporting pathway. The Games also provide an opportunity for the young athletes to compete for honours at regional level while representing Rwanda on the international stage. As Team Rwanda heads to Nairobi, the delegation will be hoping for strong performances while gaining valuable experience that can contribute to the continued development of the country’s young sporting talent.
