sports tourism in rwanda

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Kigali, rwanda: its dual strategic approach to sport tourism.

Jul 7, 2021

“Hosting events and developing active sport tourism has raised Rwanda’s profile as a sport tourism destination.”

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The tourism data for the pre-COVID-19 period are striking. In 2019, tourism revenues increased by 17% from US $ 425 million in 2018 to US $ 498 million in 2019 . And the capital City of Kigali is working hard to become a top tourist destination. To achieve this, it has decided to turn to sport tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism.

Not only has the city focused on attracting major sporting events, but it has also looked at how to develop its attractiveness through active sport tourism, while putting the interests of local people at the heart of this strategy.

In recent years, the City of Kigali has hosted a wide range of major sporting events, including CAN (Africa Cup of Nations – football), CECAFA (Council of East and Central African Football Associations), Tour du Rwanda in cycling, Afro-basketball, regional rallies, the Kigali International Peace Marathon, the East African Military Games, and regional tennis tournaments.

This dual strategic approach of hosting events and developing active sport tourism has raised Rwanda’s profile as a sport tourism destination. It has also generated revenue from sport and provided short-term employment opportunities. These types of activities will be scaled up to make Rwanda a sports hub in the region and in Africa.

The City of Kigali’s tourism attributes

Kigali International Airport offers easy access to the city with direct flights from Europe, serves major European, US, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern airlines, and will soon have direct flights from the US. The new Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction, is located about 15 km east of the city.

Noted as one of the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali enjoys a moderate high-altitude climate that belies its tropical location. It is a three-hour drive from the main tourist sites of Musanze (in the north) and Akagera National Park (in the east of the country).

Leveraging the Kigali International Peace Marathon to develop sport tourism

Together with the ‘Tour du Rwanda’ (cycling competition), the Kigali International Peace Marathon is the sport event that attracts the most visitors to Kigali.

The Kigali International Peace Marathon has become a ‘can’t miss event’ and continues to grow. As the only marathon in the world organised under the theme of peace, the event is used by the City of Kigali as a platform to promote peace and to raise its sports profile. Plans are in place to elevate this annual running event to a major ‘destination’ marathon with great potential for international runners.

The 13th edition of Kigali International Peace Marathon 2021, took place on June 20, 2021, with a limited number of participants and strict COVID-19 protocols.

Its increasing number of international-level sports venues and focus on hosting athletic events make Rwanda optimistic that the Kigali International Peace Marathon will become a major destination marathon, foundational to Rwanda’s burgeoning sports tourism industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic impact on the City of Kigali’s sports activities

To stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Kigali underwent a total lockdown in March-April 2020 and in FebruaryMarch 2021 and restrictions were imposed: restriction of movements, closure of sports facilities, sports events, closure of borders and airports. These COVID-19 preventive measures put a stop to almost all sports events, except for individual sports such as jogging, running, walking, and cycling.

Developing active sport tourism with a strong focus on ‘local residents first

The City of Kigali’s approach to active sports tourism deserves special attention. Indeed, through the development of active sports tourism, the city sees the opportunity to make its inhabitants more active. This approach not only benefits the locals but also promotes the city through being active rather than just saying so. Two concrete examples are presented here.

The development of a new sports hub

The southern suburb of Gahanga (now under development), is set to become a primary sports hub for Kigali residents, which will also drive economic growth in the region. It will offer spaces for leisure activity and therefore facilitate an active lifestyle for residents.

In addition, this new hub will see the development of Eco Parks and other outdoor recreational facilities to boost eco-tourism and promote cultural activities. It will also see the establishment of cultural centres based on the city’s unique heritage of promoting tourism (and also foster a sense of belonging among Kigali residents).

The Kigali Car Free Day

Kigali Car Free Day – a sport event initiated and managed by the City of Kigali – is organised twice a month, with some Kigali’s roads closed for motorised vehicles to be used only for walking, jogging, and cycling.

The event not only contributes to the promotion of Kigali internationally, as a healthy and green city, but mainly aims to promote the culture of sport among Kigali City residents and to make Kigali a green city, contributing, to a certain extent, to the reduction of gas emissions by alleviating road traffic.

Organised every other Sunday, the event is also an opportunity for great cheer and socialisation for City residents. It is a moment dedicated to the well-being of the city inhabitants by placing the promotion of a better lifestyle as a priority, offering a variety of sports activities in groups as well as free medical screening stands and medical advice for non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

This initiative, which is very popular in Kigali is attracting more and more participants, and is currently being scaled up in other Districts and remote areas of the country. The Car-Free Day also provides opportunities for mobilisation on environmental protection awareness campaigns during environment week, such as plastic reduction, natural resource management, air pollution, and an improved healthy lifestyle including exercise, better nutrition habits.

The cheerful atmosphere prevailing during this event makes it attractive not only for residents, but also for visitors who have made it a “not-to-miss” event while they are in the country. Most of them gave this event high praise in their blogs and comments in social media when they returned home, which the City of Kigali hopes, will attract other visitors or at least be on the agenda of those who will be coming for other purposes.

Did you know?

Kigali is known for being the cleanest and safest city in Africa. In 2008, the City of Kigali was honoured with the prestigious Habitat Scroll of Honour award from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. The award acknowledged the City of Kigali’s contribution of many innovations in building a model, modern city symbolised by zero tolerance for plastics, improved garbage collection and a substantial reduction in crime. The City of Kigali is the first city authority to win this prestigious award in Africa.

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Unlocking Rwanda's Tourism Potential: A Journey Through Sports Partnerships

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In a bid to harness the power of sports in promoting tourism, Rwanda has been actively engaging in partnerships with major European football clubs, a strategy that took center stage at the World Travel and Tourism Summit held in Kigali from November 1 to 3.

The summit, which saw global experts and industry leaders gather to explore innovative approaches to boost tourism, shed light on Rwanda's unique approach to attracting visitors. One of the key topics of discussion was how sports, particularly football, can play a pivotal role in promoting the country's tourism sector.

The African nation has been steadily forging partnerships with renowned European football clubs, and the latest addition to this list is Bayern Munich. Just two and a half months after the signing of a partnership between the German football giant and "Visit Rwanda, " the impact is already visible. Young players from the new Bayern Munich academy in Kigali are up at the crack of dawn, diligently training on the pitch.

This collaboration with Bayern Munich marks Rwanda's third such partnership with a major football club, following successful deals with Arsenal and PSG. While the exact financial details of these partnerships are confidential, each agreement includes provisions for visibility on jerseys, advertising boards, and players' content on social media platforms. The ultimate goal is to attract new visitors to Rwanda by leveraging the global fan base and popularity of these clubs.

The results are already evident, with Rwanda welcoming over a million visitors in 2022 and generating nearly $445 million in tourism revenue. However, the return on investment from these sports partnerships can be challenging to quantify and has faced criticism from some quarters.

Nevertheless, Michaella Rugwizangoga, in charge of tourism at the Rwanda Development Board, staunchly defends the strategy. "Working with sports clubs is the positioning we have chosen as a country. The proportion of investment that goes into these partnerships is minimal compared to the revenue the country collects through tourism. Today, tourism accounts for 10% of our GDP. But without marketing, we have no tourism, and without tourism, we have no revenue to reinvest," she asserts.

Rwanda's commitment to utilizing sports as a catalyst for tourism growth goes beyond partnerships. The country has been investing in infrastructure to attract sporting events from the continent, such as the ongoing expansion of the Amahoro Stadium. This ambitious project, estimated at $165 million, will increase its seating capacity to 45,000, further positioning Rwanda as a destination for sports enthusiasts.

As Rwanda continues to explore innovative ways to drive its tourism sector, it's evident that the nation's unique approach of uniting sports and travel promotion is making waves in the global arena, ultimately benefiting both the nation's economy and the international football community.

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Rwanda as East Africa’s Sport Tourism Hub

In the last 10 years, Rwanda has emerged as a prominent destination for sport tourism in East Africa, particularly renowned for its enthusiasm for basketball and cycling. This petite landlocked nation has made substantial investments in the advancement of its sporting infrastructure, most notably the impressive BK Arena, and has been a proud host of major international events, contributing to its global recognition.

Basketball stands out as one of the principal beneficiaries of Rwanda’s zealous pursuit of sporting excellence. The country proudly unveiled the magnificent BK Arena in 2019 as the stage for the illustrious Basketball Africa League (BAL), which serves as Africa’s premier basketball competition. In a remarkable showcase of talent, Rwanda played host to the inaugural BAL finals, where twelve esteemed club teams from various corners of the continent fiercely competed.

Demonstrating their unwavering determination, Rwanda’s national basketball team, has progressively climbed up the ranks in FIBA competitions. Most recently, their impressive performance saw them reach the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 tournament held in August. Although they were ultimately bested by Nigeria in a hard-fought championship game, it is evident that Rwanda’s basketball prowess continues to blossom, solidifying its stature as a rising power within African basketball circles.

Cycling holds another paramount position in Rwanda’s ambitious sport tourism endeavors. Year after year, Rwanda plays host to the prestigious Tour du Rwanda, an annual spectacle that has cemented its status as one of Africa’s preeminent road cycling competitions. The breathtaking mountain roads and challenging climbs have attracted an ever-growing contingent of international cyclists yearning for adventure. A testament to its prominence on the global stage, the 2022 edition of Tour du Rwanda witnessed fierce competition among nineteen international teams, including participation from five esteemed World Tour teams.

In an extraordinary conjunction, Rwanda has forged a partnership with the governing body of cycling, UCI, to hold the highly coveted 2025 UCI Road World Championships. This monumental occasion will mark the first time that Africa plays host to such a significant event. Demonstrating their commitment, Rwanda has dedicated a whopping $27 million towards establishing an esteemed cycling center in preparation for this colossal undertaking.

As interest in its sports-related endeavors continues to grow, Rwanda has experienced a staggering influx of revenue from sport tourism, surpassing a remarkable $42 million in 2021 alone. In addition to this impressive figure, analysts estimate that sport tourism directly sustains over 5,000 employment opportunities within Rwanda and makes a substantial contribution of approximately 2% towards the nation’s gross domestic product.

While neighboring East African nations grapple with inadequate sports infrastructure and limited hosting experience, Rwanda appears poised to firmly cement its position as the paramount regional destination for sport tourism in the upcoming decade. Their committed investments have enabled this small nation to transcend expectations in diverse domains such as basketball, cycling, and potentially other sports.

Furthermore, Rwanda’s strides in sport tourism have far-reaching effects on the overall development of tourism throughout the country. The global spotlight cast upon it through hosting major events like the BAL and the World Championships serves as a powerful catalyst in promoting Rwanda as an alluring destination. Moreover, sporting developments bring with them vital infrastructure such as state-of-the-art arenas, improved road networks, and luxurious hotels that not only facilitate leisurely travel but also create unprecedented opportunities for business ventures.

The realm of sports tourism additionally provides substantial local employment opportunities in sectors like construction, event services, and hospitality. These job prospects bolster the flourishing growth of tourism within Rwanda by profoundly elevating its profile and allure both nationally and internationally.

Emmanuel Omogunwa

E-Tourism expert, IT entrepreneur, and AI evangelist.

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Beyond Gorillas in the Mist, Rwanda looks to sports tourism

Sharlyne Soh

KIGALI - Cheers and jeers echoed in the BK Arena, where defending champions Nigeria were battling against 11-time winners Senegal in the Fiba Women’s AfroBasket 2023 Championship.

Among the boisterous crowd was New Yorker Benjamin Glassman, who sat with the Nigerian fans, clapping his hands and willing them on from the edge of his seat.

This was his first time abroad and he chose to fly over 11,000 kilometres to Rwanda to support a Senegalese and Nigerian player whom he knew personally when they played for the University at Buffalo in the United States.

“For someone to take time out of their day to watch them, it means a lot to the players and that’s how you support someone you love on the team. That’s the reason I came here,” said the 50-year-old.

The retired software engineer is among an increasing number of travellers in Rwanda to watch or participate in sporting events, as the African nation looks to sport to boost its tourism sector and spur economic growth.

Revenue generated by sports tourism shot up almost 60 times, from US$120,000 (S$161,920) in 2019, to US$7 million in 2022, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). In 2023, it aims to generate US$11 million.

This is part of the diversification of its tourism industry, which still heavily relies on gorilla tourism for revenue, to attract more international travellers.

The second edition of the Ironman 70.3 Rwanda Triathlon in August 2023, for example, had participants from countries like the US, Italy and Japan.

Jabo Landry, 35, overall coordinator for the Women’s AfroBasket event, noted that more tourists are coming to catch regional and international basketball matches as compared to pre-pandemic times.

Landry, also the former executive director of the Rwanda Basketball Federation, is hopeful that such events can position Rwanda as the “sports hub of Africa”.

In line with this goal, Rwanda has been ramping up infrastructure, including its stadiums and arenas.

The Amahoro National Stadium is undergoing renovation works costing 160 billion Rwandan francs (S$1.7 billion). The revamped stadium, slated to open in 2024, will hold football matches and house 45,000 spectators.

Located just beside the construction site is the BK Arena. Built in just six months, it is Rwanda’s first 10,000-seater arena.

Nigeria women’s national basketball coach Rena Wakama, 31, said: “It’s beautiful here, it’s like a gem for African Basketball and we should come here more often.”

Uganda sports fans Bernard Olupot, 38, and Olive Telma Kweberaho, 36, were in town for the basketball tournament – their fourth trip in 2023 to watch a live sports event in Rwanda.

“We love being here,” Oluput said. “Kigali is a lovely city and if you don’t come for basketball you can come for so many other things.”

Beyond basketball, Rwanda signed a five-year partnership with German football club Bayern Munich in August to promote sports tourism. It will also see the establishment of a football academy in Rwanda to strengthen the development of the sport.

This is Rwanda’s third partnership with a European football team, following sponsorship deals with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The partnerships have attracted a million visitors and injected US$445 million in tourism revenues, said RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi in a media report.

Rwanda’s ambitions will see it hosting several key events like the M25 Kigali 2023 tennis event and 2025 UCI Road World Cycling Championships – a first for an African country. The Basketball African League tournament will continue after the collaboration was extended for another five years.

Wakama said that the future of Rwanda’s sporting scene remains bright, not only for events but also young talents.

“They’ve done a phenomenal job with empowering youth sports and you can see it in fruition... It’s definitely possible that they will be the sports hub of Africa, if not, it’s here already.”

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Lots of economic benefits could come from sports tourism in Africa

Kigali, 8 February 2018 (ECA) - Over the last two decades, there has been growing focus on sports tourism globally, involving travel for purposes of watching sports events, active participation in sports or simply to gaze at sports facilities infrastructure.

According to Geoffrey Manyara, a tourism expert with UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), sports tourists spend more at destinations that than their non-sporting counterparts. For example, about 900,000 tourists are estimated to attend English Premier league football games every year. These tourists spend £785 per visitor compared to £583 spent by those engaged in other tourist activities.

 Recognising that sports tourism could be a viable sector that countries should consider, ECA in collaboration with Rwanda Convention Bureau and Kigali Golf Club organized a meeting to discuss how sport, Golf in particular, could be the next tourism frontier for Rwanda.

 The meeting observed how sports tourism offers several economic benefits to local communities, the region and the whole the country hosting the sports event.

“There is a growing interest and prioritization of the tourism industry across Africa, because countries have realized the immense, yet untapped tourism possibilities that exist on the continent”. Sports tourism is one of them” said Daya Bragante, Head of Cluster on Sub-Regional Initiatives at ECA in Eastern Africa.

 International Association of Golf Tour Operators observes that golf tourism is worth $100 billion a year and that Africa only accounts for 3%. Moreover, golf tourists spend an estimated 20 percent more than other travellers and currently, there are over 60 million golfers worldwide, of which about 10 percent travel overseas for holidays. These visitors generate enormous economic activity through different forms of expenditure on sporting and non-sporting activities.

Participants at the Kigali meeting also noted that Sports tourism could be the catalyst for the development of infrastructure such as stadia, hotels, transportation networks, roads, telecommunication other infrastructure.  

Rwanda has started to put in place measures that promote sports activities, which could attract tourists. The Kigali Car free Day, held twice a month, is set encourage the citizens and foreigners to exercise and engage in mass sports. The country organizes also other international sports events such as Kigali International Peace Marathon and Cycling competition known as “Tour du Rwanda”.

The participants at Kigali meeting called for more concerted efforts to formulate appropriate policies and avenues that may create meaningful economic development opportunities through golf tourism.

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How can Sports boost Tourism in Rwanda

Rwanda sports and tourism | how can sports boost tourism in rwanda.

Compared to other tourism products, sports tourism still remains among a few undermined products in Rwanda and Africa at large. In most cases, when it comes to sport tourism, very few people understand it and most of them think of soccer and yet there are many fields which are of significant value. The others include football, golf, baseball, volleyball and cricket. This particular tourism segment (sport tourism) in one way can be another area which can depict Rwanda as an important tourist site for varied events. If sports tournaments like volley ball and cycling are to be given more credit, then most foreign visitors on Rwanda safari could increase.

Visit Rwanda partnership with Arsenal FC

Worldwide, countries have used sporting events such as world cup as way to promote tourism. Each year, Rwanda equally arranges the Tour du Rwanda cycling race paces which for 2019 kick started on 24 th February. This sporting event is aimed at promoting some of Rwanda’s tourist attractions. The organizers of this event revealed their partnership with the German Society for International Cooperation so as to help promote the Kivu belt area that has many tourist attractions such as museums, tea plantations, Lake Kivu and manicured hills.

Some of the incredible sports and adventures for you to take while on safari in Rwanda include cricked-a relatively new sport in the Land of a Thousand Hills. The Rwanda Cricket Association was established in 1999 and currently, about 5000 people participate in it. It is conducted around Gahanga Cricket Stadium which features as Rwanda’s first proper cricket ground. It was opened in 2017.

Cycling-Rwanda is exceptionally one of a few best cycling destinations that offer unique cycling experiences. This sport activity takes you through the untouched track with endless trails and roads crisscrossing the territory. It offers the best of authentic African experience. The Congo Nile Trail which is about 227 kilometers is remarkably the best trail for you to embark on cycling. It takes you from Rubavu and then to Rusizi.

The African rising cycling center is a home of the Rwanda cycling team . While here, you can make a stopover and pay a visit to the site/ground or alternatively ride with Team Rwanda that was initiated in 2006 and today has 25 cyclists. Bikers or cyclists on hike or cycling tour along the Congo Nile Trail takes you through the country’s remote route and single trails that wind via lush vegetation and farmland while you catch a glimpse at coffee plantations, banana plantation, butterflies, birds and others.

For those of you who love adventure, hiking is the best option while you are on safari in Rwanda . Hiking experiences take you through magical sceneries with pleasant climate and wildlife that you will explore while on hiking safari . Visitors on hiking safari can take part in this thrilling experience in the north west-Volcanoes National Park then to the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west and then down to Nyungwe Forest National Park .

Rwanda Cycling

This area features the scenic volcanoes that make up part of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes that straddle at altitude of 2400-4507 meters. They include Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Gahinga and Muhabura. As you head off to Nyungwe Forest National Park, hikers can explore lots of wildlife species especially the Igishigishi trail, Karamba trail, Bigugu trail, Isumo, Imbaraga trail, Rukuzi trail, Umuyove trail, Uwinka trail and others.

Paramotoring-this is another new sport Rwanda offers to its visitors. This mainly takes visitors on a flight above its historic Huye district, the lakeside towns of Rubavu and Karongi. Helicopter tours and transfers-this is mainly offered in Akagera National Park and takes you above the park’s most scenic landscape for you to catch a glimpse at varied wildlife species while in the air.

Today sports tourism has become a major reason for most visitors’ travel to Rwanda and Africa at large. This tourism segment in particular involves visitors traveling to specific recreation center or sports complex to actively engaging in sport event. It plays a significant role towards country’s economy.

In conclusion, sports tourism in Rwanda is remarkably one of the best experiences yet not fully tapped. For sports lovers, there are a number of sport activities for you to engage in and each of them rewards travel endeavors with unique experiences.

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Rwanda: a holistic sports policy

Rwanda is often cited as a development model in Africa. Faced with the legacy of the 1994 genocide and the imperative of national reconciliation, socio-economic development can indeed represent a basis for cohesion. Based on a holistic approach, the Rwandan sports policy contributes to the country’s development as well as the creation of a winning culture and a united Rwandan identity.

Sport for Rwanda’s ambition

Rwanda’s Sport Development Policy aims to establish a framework for the development of professional sport, the sport sector and sport for all (Sport Development Policy, 2021, p. 16) . It is closely aligned with international strategies (UN Agenda 2030, Olympic Charter, Kazan Action Plan) and the National Strategy for Transformation 2017-2024, and has cross-cutting provisions with several key sectoral policies such as the National Gender Policy, the School Sport Policy, and the Education Sector Strategic Plan (Ibid., pp. 10-11) .

The Rwandan sports policy emphasizes the benefits of sport, including in terms of health, national pride and external influence, as well as its capacity to generate investment and employment (Ibid., p. 12) . Indeed, several specific objectives directly or indirectly address the economic potential of the sport sector (hosting major sporting events, talent identification and export, etc.). Sport development could also help strengthen relations with the private sector (Ibid., p. 16) , which is a key point for the country’s economy.

While Rwanda aims to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050, its growth is mainly driven by state interventionism. The domestic private sector is struggling to take over from public funds and official development assistance (AFD, 2021) . Yet, this is an essential condition for the country to achieve its development objectives and sport is considered here as a lever for mobilising the private sector.

Successes and challenges

Kigali is banking on global visibility through sports and has signed several political-sports partnerships to that end. Since 2018, the Arsenal Gunners have been wearing the slogan “Visit Rwanda” on their shirts. According to Rwandan authorities, this campaign has increased visitor numbers by 8% . In 2019, Rwanda signed a similar deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

The country is also betting on hosting major sporting events. In 2025, Rwanda will host the World Road Cycling Championships in 2025, intending to promote its “true image,” potential and talents . In addition, the country has already hosted several continental competitions, including the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 26 games were played exclusively in Rwanda, which had the required sports and health conditions (IRIS, 2021) . By organising a high-level showcase, including the finals at the Kigali Arena , now the largest multi-sport venue in East Africa, Rwanda successfully supported an ambitious project for development through sport. Beyond the professionalisation of basketball in Africa, BAL is working with partners such as the French Development Agency (AFD) to promote, among other things, access to education, well-being and inclusion of girls and women.

Similarly, Rwanda still faces challenges in meeting its ambitions, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of administrative and managerial skills in sports structures, inclusiveness (gender, disability), etc. (Sport Development Policy, 2021, p. 14) . Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has integrated sport into its strategy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (Ibid., p. 7) , but Rwanda’s sports policy still lacks a strategic framework with specific objectives emphasising the promotion of physical activity for health (Mukaruzima & Frantz, 2019) . Despite this, Rwanda is undoubtedly proposing an ambitious, holistic, and cross-cutting sport strategy. Time will tell if this is a winning model.

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Rwanda sports, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Cricket, Tennis, Golf

Good health, fitness, sports for women,sports for the disabled as well as sports in different cultural disciples, sporting benefits of rwanda, sporting nation, african cup of national, long distance running,biking,tennis,volley ball,basketball and the favourable sport football, kagame club championship.

Rwanda’s national football team happened to participate in the African Nation’s cup in Tunisia and that was in 2004.Since then the team has been accepted to participate in the Africa Championship tournament in suden come 2011.Rwanda’s volleyball along with basketball has been participating in the championships held after two years.

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Rwanda sports, rugby,cycling,netball rally driving in addition to cricket, gorilla trekking, rwandaise du tourisme et des parcs, health or gyms, nyarutarama tennis club, rafiki health club, mountain biking, mercator assistance tours & travel,, mille collines hotel,, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Rwanda lies just south of the Equator, in the heart of Africa. In the space of a week, it™s possible to experience an extraordinary range of wildlife and landscapes thanks to the country™s relatively small size and biodiversity.

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œIn the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, œare great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.

The Volcanoes National Park fall on one side of the Virunga Massif, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and much more.

Rwanda is easy to explore by car. The popular circuit between the national parks passes through magnificent scenery, with a new vista and warm smiles greeting travelers around every corner.

Culture & Heritage

Warm and friendly, Rwandans are also respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top.

From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.

Sport & Adventure

The land of a thousand hills can be explored in any manner of ways – by foot, cycle, kayak and car.

For an aerial view, there’s a canopy walkway across the rainforest, helicopter tours and even tandem flights by paramotor.

Sports & Adventure

Ethnographic Museum

• Itineraries

Explore Itineraries

• Accommodation

Revised Sports Development Policy 2021

Sports and physical activities by their impact contribute to the overall development of the society and is an integral part of its social and economic development.  

In today’s world society, sport is a major contributor to the economic and social development of peoples. And of course, Sports also immensely contribute to the social and emotional excitement of a population which is mostly what makes a population’s wellbeing and happiness. It has been long considered as a valuable tool for fostering communication and building links between communities and generations.

The perspective of the Sports Development policy is to harness the cultural, social, and economic power of sports to weave together the necessary steps for a successful transformation of the sports industry.

The policy will focus on the following major components: enhancing governance and leadership of sports bodies, developing skills of sports technical experts, enhancing talent detection and development system and structures, developing sports infrastructure, building strategic partnerships at the regional and international level, increase the participation and interest of private sector investments in sports and, improving coordination and communication among all sector stakeholders.

The Government of Rwanda recognizes sports as one of the pillars of social transformation and development. The Nation is promoting sports in all corners of society unbiased to gender, age, or physical capacity.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Sports intends to revamp and strengthen our school sports ecosystem and related talent development programs to nurture and raise future athletes who will hopefully evolve and perform as professionals.

Governments and sector stakeholders will work together to implement set policy objectives.

You can read the whole policy  https://www.minisports.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Minisports/Publications/Policies/Final__Revised_Sports_Development_Policy_25.02.2021.pdf

Umunsi wahariwe gushaka no Guteza imbere impano za Siporo “National Talent Day”

Kuva kuri uyu wa Gatandatu tariki 02/12/2023 kugeza ku Cyumweru 03/12/2023, mu Karere ka Huye harabera igikorwa cyo gutangiza ku nshuro ya mbere…

Second IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda Triathlon to take place in Rubavu on 5 August

Kuri uyu wa Mbere , habaye igikorwa cyo Kwibuka abari abakozi ba MIEUMA abakinnyi n'abahanzi

Global elite athletes to participate in Kigali International Peace Marathon 2023

Basketball Africa League announces tickets sales for Playoffs and finals in Kigali

ITANGAZO: IKIRANGO CYA SITADE AMAHORO

Itangazo rirebana n'ibikorwa bya Siporo mu cyumweru cyo Kwibuka ku nshuro ya 29 Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994

Ubutumwa bwa Minisitiri wa Siporo bujyanye no Kwibuka ku nshuro ya 29 Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994

Press release: IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda Wins 2022 Athlete Choice Awards Global for Best Overall Race

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