The four day tournament which attracted 24 Schools from Kicukiro District was organized by Mount Kenya University- Rwanda (MKUR) with the aim of Empowering Generations through Sports and sensitizing the youth on good governance.
The tournament was graced by the Mayor of Kicukiro district, Dr Jeanne Nyirahamana and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Mount Kenya University-Rwanda, Dr. John Nyirigira.
The Mayor of Kicukiro District, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana commended the University for its commitment to promote sports in the country as well as sensitizing the youth on anti-corruption, injustice, drug abuse, developing a saving culture and advancing unity and reconciliation.
“As a knowledge hub, Kicukiro District is proud of the coming of MKUR in the area. Its contribution to capacity development and enhancing social and economic activities is vital to the growth of the country. Today’s activity is one good example adding up to many done by the University such as cleaning our environment (Umuganda), giving scholarships to deserving students, donating cows to the poor (Girinka programme) and improvement of access roads leading to the university,” Dr Nyirahabimana said.
During the ceremony, Dr. John Nyirigira thanked the founder and Chairman, Board of Directors of Mount Kenya University Prof Simon Gicharu for supporting the initiative to promote sports in the country.
In a speech read by Dr. Nyirigira on his behalf, Prof Gicharu said, “MKUR will increasingly sponsor sports amongst the youth in order to develop talent with plans to start a sports academy in Kicukiro District. As a university, we are committed to holistic youth development, whereby what happens to our youth outside the classroom is equally as important as what happens inside.”
“Professional sports have become a good way of making a sustainable living. Some of the highest paid people in the world today are professional footballers and athletes. Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star whom you all know earns 550 million Rwandan francs every week just playing football,” he noted.
“But as you take part in sports, don’t forget your education. The good thing about education is that it has no age limit. When you become old and cannot be able to run around the football field, you can continue making a living through Education,” Prof. Gicharu advised the youth.
MKUR also sponsored uniforms, food and sports kits.
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