Medaled-up team returns

Rwanda Special Olympics team returns home today aboard Rwandair with a 14-gold medal bag attained in the just concluded Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Rwanda won 14 gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal respectively in both athletics and football events in the 11-day World championship. The Rwanda Special Olympics chairman John Rusimbi said yesterday that the team is set to be given a hero’s welcome after bringing pride to the country in the just concluded games. Rwanda won seven gold medals in football while playing in the 5-a-side event. Rwanda defeated Algeria 5-1 in the finals and topped the goal scoring charts with 23 goals. Other seven gold medals were won in athletics events including: 800m won by Aline Mukamana, 50m won by Françoise Uwiragiye, 400m won by Claudine Uwimana, 1500m won by Justin Rwamuningi, 200m won by Evona Nayituriki, 100m won by Yvonne Nyirasafari and Ernestine Nyirangenda in male and female categories respectively. The three silver medals came from Rehema Cyizere, Teonelle Irivuzemaliya and Justin Rwamuningi after winning after finishing second in 200m, 100m and 300m respectively while the lone bronze medal came in from Ernest Minani who finished third in the 400m.Ends