Team gears up for Poland meet

The national Athletics head coach Eric Karasira has lauded the determination and hard work displayed by the national team which is currently undergoing intensive preparations in Northern Province district of Gicumbi.The team is preparing for the 40th IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on March 24. The six-member team, alongside two officials, assembled in Gicumbi since the month started to prepare effectively ahead of the event.“The athletes are training very well, no injuries and they have easily adapted to the weather. I believe this camp will be of much use to our objective of performing well in Poland.” “The athletes have potential to shine at the World event. They will be keen to reaffirm their prowess and win Rwanda a medal. Our target is to be on the medal podium but we have to be cautious because the other countries have strong teams. But after four weeks of training in Gicumbi, I believe these athletes will be ready for the assignment,” said Karasira.The team in Gicumbi is comprised of Kajuga Robert, Eric Sebahire, Cyriaque Ndayikengurukiye, Jean Marie Uwajeneza, Jean Baptista Simukeka, Felix Simuceka and Alexis Nizeyimana.Last year, Rwanda missed out on the world event due to visa hitches. In 2011, Rwandan athletics displayed poor show in the IAAF 39th World Cross Country Championship in Punta Umbria, Spain. Gervais Hakizimana emerged as Rwanda’s best performer after finishing 33rd in the men’s 12km race.The team is expected to participate in the East Africa Cross-country championship which will be held in Uganda on March 3.

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Team gears up for Poland meet