by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Reported by Rwanda’s leading daily “The New Times”, 2019 Commonwealth Day was celebrated under the theme, “A Connected Commonwealth”; table tennis being one of the sports that is recognised and supported by Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association and National Olympic Committee.

“This is the first time to partner with Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association, it is an opportunity to expand and promote table tennis in schools across the country; Camp Kigali is our first school partner, the move to secure partnerships with schools continues.” Jean Bosco Birungi

Notably, in order to support schools in the Nyarugenge area, the Rwanda Table Tennis Federation donated a new table tennis table, balls and bats in order that pupils could be introduced to the sport. It is part of a long term strategic plan not only to nurture young talents in schools but also to educate umpires and coaches as well as increasing the number of clubs.

A splendid initiative one appreciated by Mohamed Ufitinema, the head boy at the Kigali school. He explained that the school lacked table tennis equipment and was grateful for the gesture from the Rwanda Table Tennis Federation.

Similarly, Jo Lamos, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, addressed the students explaining the Commonwealth has 2.4 billion citizens comprising 53 countries of which 60 per cent of that total population is under 30 years of age.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Rwanda National Olympic Committee, Felicite Rwemalika, also a member of the International Olympic Committee, emphasized that sport creates and fosters friendship as well as mutual respect through teamwork and fair play.

Over 600 students from G.S Camp Kigali entertained the guests with a broad range of activities such as debates, essay writing and table tennis competitions.