After five years, Alphonse Rutsindura Genocide Memorial tournament is back. The tourney will be held from October 1-2 at Petit Seminaire Firgo Fidersi de Karubanda. According to the president of Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), Gustave Nkurunziza, tournament is held in memory of Alphonse Rutsindura and other volleyball players and fans killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rutsindura, a former teacher at Petit Seminaire Firgo Fidersi and lecturer at National University of Rwanda (NUR) and Petit Seminaire coach, was instrumental in the development of the volleyball sport before he was killed during the Genocide. During his days, he coached the national women volleyball team before becoming the first vice president of the local volleyball federation (FRVB). Three years ago, tournament was put on hold due to financial constraints. The on and off annual tournament is organized by former Petit Seminaire Firgo Fidersi de Karubanda students. “Getting sponsorship for the tournament has been the biggest problem over the years, but we are happy that the tournament has returned,” Nkurunziza told Times Sport. The invited teams include Umubano Blue Tigers, Kibungo University, APR Kigali Volleyball Club, IPRC South, Rayon Sports in first division in men’s category. In women category they include, APR, IPRC Kigali, St Joseph Kabgayi, Ruhango, RRA and St Alloys. For the second division the teams are UR Campus, Petit Seminaire Firgo Fidersi de Karubanda, IPRC East, College de Christ Roi, Kirehe Youth team, Indatwa n’Inkesha (former Groupe Scolaire de Butare), Lycee de Nyanza, Groupe Scolaire Filippe Neri, Groupe Scolaire St Joseph and Rusumo High School. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
