The local athletics governing body and ADEPR Rwanda have established a working partnership in a drive to promote athletics and sharpen talents at the grassroots level. The initiative was launched on Saturday during the ‘Children Athletics Competition’ that attracted over 100 youngsters boys and girls from different schools across the country, at Amahoro stadium. Speaking after the event, Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) president, Fidèle Mubiligi, said that the collaboration with ADEPR Rwanda will help the local athletics body to detect talent, increase the number of athletes and encourage the formation of new clubs across the nation. “This is just the beginning, we will greatly impact many young talents together. Such competitions are important in making children love the sport and shape their aspirations. They are going to be regular under RAF grassroots programme,” he said. Reverend Euphrem Karuranga, the president of ADEPR Rwanda, noted that the Church has different sports programmes in the country, and that was the motive to partner with sporting federations – such as RAF – was to contribute to sports promotion and healthy living of children. The over 100 boys and girls, drawn from all provinces, participated in three categories. Best performers: Boys’ 400m category: 1. Emmanuel Munezero 2. Didier Mugiraneza 3. James Mugisha Girls’ 400m category: 1. Blandine Munezero 2. Grace Mutako 3. Sandrine Mugwaneza Boys’ 800m category: 1. Nicolas Bayigana 2. Jean Pierre Harerimana 3. Medoli Bigirimana Girls’ 800m category: 1. Fidelite Uwimbabazi 2. Josiane Mushimiyimana 3. Manifique Gisubizo Boys’ 1500m category: 1. Ramadhan Ishimwe 2. Jean Claude Dushimimana 3. Steven Hagenimana Girls’ 1500m category: 1. Florence Mukeshimana 2. Justine Muhoza
