Promotion of Sports

In the Rwandan legislation, Law No. 05/1987 of 18/02/1987 on the organization of sports and recreation in Rwanda defines sport as any activity carried in the physical sense of play, competition and the effort which practice requires a methodical training and discipline. This law says non-profit nature of sport, but recognizes the possibility of organizing a professional sport or profit. Sport is an almost universal phenomenon in time and space and is defined by 4 key elements :

• A physical effort (this should be an active force, address, etc.).

• A practice-oriented competition ;

• An activity institutionalized and regulated (its rules tend to be identical to the entire planet) ;

• A federated practice (under the umbrella of a federation).

The national policy on ’Sports and recreation "recognizes thus ; physical activities and sports codified, traditional games, physical education and sport in and out of school, occupations, entertainment or entertainment during leisure time or rest.

Leisure, meanwhile, are the occupations, amusements or entertainment during leisure time or rest, apart from usual activities.

The balanced practice of sport helps to maintain good physical and mental health. Physiologically, the practice of sport is working on cardio-respiratory system and various muscles. It helps burn calories and thus preventing obesity. It encourages people to have a proper diet. It facilitates the removal of the stress accumulated during the day and decreases stress. It allows the discovery of the body and its limitations. It facilitates the acquisition of a sense of balance, or in situations provided (gymnastics), or in unexpected situations (ball games, martial arts). It also allows the practitioner to build a working methodology, reusable for other disciplines.

The sport has a natural and universal power of attraction, inspiration, motivation and commitment. It can be used to encourage individuals, communities and even countries to take part in activities promoting health. It can also be an effective tool in mobilizing resources for public health.

Furthermore, sport is of paramount importance to the economic level. It creates and sustains sector jobs assembling media producer and marketer of sports equipment, sports clubs, doctors, lawyers, coaches and advisers of all kinds ; firms specializing in architectural design Stadiums and other sports facilities. Some professional athletes also derive income from their sport.

The government of Rwanda has invested in sports and leisure infrastructure which has made a progressive impact in the past decade. Despite what has been done so far, the need in terms of sporting and leisure facilities is concerned is still enormous. The need for Sporting and other leisure activities is important for the psychological and Physical development of the youth.

They contribute to their personal development through promoting good health, personal discipline, leadership and team building skills.

Categories of sports offered in Rwanda ;

• Football for both men and women

• Basketball for both men and women

• Volleyball for both men and women

• Hand ball for both men and women

• Boxing

• Tennis/Table tennis

• Karate for both men and women

• Kungufu

• Cricket

• Golf for both men and women

• Atheletics for both Men and women

• Cycling

• Rugby

Etc.

Major Achievements

Infrastructures

As the key component of sport development, infrastructures have been improved or simply newly edified for the sake of sports in Rwanda.

• Amahoro National Stadium with its giant electronic scoreboard and camera system has now been renovated and owns a new well entertained natural pitch.

• Nyamirambo Regional Stadium has been totally reconstructed with modern facilities. It is embellished by its artificial turf.

• In addition, 3 other playgrounds around the Kigali City enjoy the fitness of artificial turfs and Rubavu stadium has been renovated as well.

Competitions

Rwanda is renowned of High capacity of event organizational skills. In 2009, African Cup of Nations U-20, one of the biggest competitions of African Football was held in Rwanda. The success and the high performance of the Local Organization Committee helped the authorities of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to decide that Rwanda will host again the African Cup of Nations U-17 in January 2010. This is emphasized too by the FIBA Africa Champions Cup that was held in KIGALI from 13 to 22 December 2009.

Rwanda hosted TOUR of Rwanda, 2.0 level cycling race. It was the first time the quality and the organization of such event occurred in this country. Thanks to acquired expertise, the Rwanda cycling Federation became confident to organize other bigger competitions in the future.

International Marathon for Peace is organized each and every year. With collaboration of Soroptimist International, efforts are deployed to reinforce the quality and the participation in the competition. This later increases the two components above every edition.