The Rotary Club of Sports Rwanda has pledged to support sports development in Nyagatare District, saying sports can help keep young people away from illicit alcohol and drugs. The pledge was made on Saturday, August 29, when Rotarian joined residents of Nyagatare Sector for Umuganda. ALSO READ: Kigali Golf Rotary Club eyes advanced healthcare as Mutoni takes over Charles Haba, the club president, said they looking forward to expanding their charity work through sports. “We are now looking at activities we can support here to help prevent the use of illicit alcohol and protect people’s lives through sports,” Haba said. “For example, establishing an annual football competition among villages would be very good.” Claire Uwambayingabire, the Executive Secretary of Nyagatare Sector, said the initiative would strengthen existing community sports activities. “This will help us a lot because we already have some teams in the communities. This initiative is going to help us fight illicit drugs,” she said. ALSO READ: The fight against illicit alcohol is not over – Minister Habimana The event was followed by a separate sports activity organised by Izuba Sportz, which concluded its summer camp for children in Nyagatare. The camp featured basketball, swimming and a multi-sport programme covering athletics, track and field, board games and traditional dancing. During the camp’s closing event, Rotary Club of Sports donated footballs and volleyballs to five primary schools in Nyagatare Sector. ALSO READ: Government looks to revive talent growth as inter-school games kick off Ingoro Ntaganda Uwase, a member of Rotary Club of Sports who heads Izuba Sportz, said the schools were selected because they could not afford adequate sports equipment. “We donated soccer balls and volleyballs to five primary schools for use during physical education. Although they had physical education programs these schools could afford such equipment,” she said. Laurence Mahatlane, Administrator of Rotary Club of Sports, said the club wants to give children opportunities to develop their sporting abilities. “One of the pledges we made was to help and support sport in the community over the next couple of years, making sure that young people have an opportunity to play sport,” he said. “Sport is one thing where it does not matter where you come from or who you are. If you have the talent, you can make it.” The closing event also recognised children who performed well during the summer camp. Ntaganda said Izuba Sportz would continue working with schools and communities to develop the talents identified during the camp. “The results have shown us that there is amazing potential, so we want to continue following up on the talents we have discovered and nurturing them,” she said. She said the organisation would run weekend community programmes and work with schools to provide structured sports activities. Juliet Murekatete, Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of social affairs, said the district wants sports to contribute to raising disciplined and competitive young people. “We want to raise young people who are sober and competitive. Sports will help keep them busy and away from drugs, while preparing them to become responsible future leaders,” she said.
