Feature:Rwanda’s first international female Basketball referee living her dream

Rwanda, for the first time, has got an International basketball woman referee. Hermine E’Gairma was among the four women that participated in the two-day ‘Clinic of International Referees’ competition in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 12th-14th, 2011. Other countries that participated include South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Under the supervision of Lubomir Kotleba, the Instructor and Sports Director at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Hermine E’Gairma was overall winner among the four participants. She scored highly after sitting for five exams. “I was a little nervous during the exams although I was fully prepared to pass. Given the fact that we had to pass highly in all the exams if we wanted to be selected, since it was a competitive clinic, I gave it my best,” E’Gairma expresses. She has been pursuing this position since 2004 where she first officially participated as a referee. The group was tested in different areas that included, Physical fitness, the rules and regulations that govern the game as well as, oral and practical tests. Besides being an International referee, E’Gairma is a Physical Instructor at Green Hills Academy. She also trains aerobics at Amahoro stadium, Remera. “I love sports and its part of my life. I had to purse a course in Physical Education at Kigali Institute of Education,” she said. Born in the current Huye District, E’Gairma attended Kimihurura Primary before joining Lycee De Kigali for her Secondary school education. She also went to the National University of Rwanda. “I started as an athlete in the 100m and 200m races, but later took on handball and basketball where I won different medals during inter-school and University tournaments,” she said. Eric Kalisa Salongo, FERWABA president considers E’Gairma’s position as a great accomplishment in the history of the sport. “Regarding the gender issue, it’s a great achievement which will advance the position of the women in sports. Many are already inspired with such an accomplishment,” Kalisa emphasizes. For E’Gairma, Sports has enabled her to travel to different places around the world. Becoming the first Rwandan woman referee in basketball is a dream come true for the joyous 35-year-old ref. “I’m living my dream. I always wanted to promote sports in my country especially basketball. Above all I encourage girls to join sports. It is a field for everyone and they too can succeed in this area. I put a lot of effort in sports and I am now reaping from it,” she said. dorau20@yahoo.co.uk