{"id":54640,"date":"2025-06-24T18:42:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T18:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/kigali-rotarians-boost-cancer-care-through-sport\/"},"modified":"2025-06-24T18:37:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T18:37:30","slug":"kigali-rotarians-boost-cancer-care-through-sport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/kigali-rotarians-boost-cancer-care-through-sport\/","title":{"rendered":"Kigali Rotarians boost cancer care through sport"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Hosted at the International School of Kigali (ISK), the festival became a rallying point for Rotarians, youth, and dignitaries who gathered to champion a cause to raise funds to procure an electric minivan to support cancer patients cared for at Bethania home care in Kinyinya.<\/p>\n<p>The Festival of Sports \u2013 Rotary Edition was proudly organised by Wura Holdings Ltd, led by a committed Rotarian, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, in collaboration with Rotary Sport and the Rotary Club of Kigali Golf. <\/p>\n<p>For many of these patients, treatment means a gruelling 30-kilometre journey to and from Kanombe Military hospital each day, a journey that had grown increasingly difficult without reliable transport.<\/p>\n<p>Jacqueline Duniah, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, reflected on how a simple visit to Bethania inspired meaningful action.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe believed that through sport, the awareness of our cancer patients\u2019 needs could reach a wider audience. This is a continuation of our efforts, and we hope it inspires others to join us in providing solutions for our community,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n<p>Her words carried the spirit of the festival, a vibrant day filled with football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and pickleball, fencing and a variety of other games not just for fun but for a greater purpose.<\/p>\n<p>The Rotary Club\u2019s resolve turned sports into a symbol of solidarity, channelling community energy into practical support. A total of 57 million Rwandan francs was raised to support cancer patients during the event.<\/p>\n<p>Among the many supporters at the event was Dr. Tunde Adelakun, President of Rotary Sport in the UK, whose presence underscored the global nature of Rotary&#8217;s reach. He brought an impassioned message about the power of sport to influence lives far beyond the field.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThrough our sporting projects, we\u2019re raising awareness of mental health, lifestyle choices, eating well, and reducing the risks of debilitating diseases like cancer. It goes back to healthy living and doing good in the community,\u201d Tunde said.<\/p>\n<p>He went further, painting sport as a tool not only for awareness but also for youth development and leadership.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want to build leaders through sports. Sports are unique because they teach us rules. If from a very young age, our children understand that rules guide sports that there are offside lines, fouls, boundaries, then they will grow up respecting structure and responsibility. That\u2019s how leaders are built,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n<p>Tunde pledged that all future fundraising efforts through his Rotary Sport network would be focused on sporting initiatives with a purpose, pointing to the Kigali event as a model of what sport can achieve when tied to compassion.<\/p>\n<p>This commitment was deeply felt by the staff at Bethania Home Care, where every day is a delicate balance of care, logistics, and hope. Sister Helena Katebera, the program coordinator, spoke of the relief this donation would bring.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe often face different challenges, but the most pressing was transporting patients over 30km daily from our centre in Kinyinya to the treatment facility in Kanombe,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur old ambulance could only carry one patient. Through the support raised from this sports festival, our charity journey will continue smoothly, and this van will be a tremendous relief,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<p>Founded in 2018, Bethania Home Care, operated by the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, provides food, shelter, and psychological support for over 250 patients undergoing cancer treatment. For many, it is the only place they can find care and dignity amid the hardship of illness.<\/p>\n<p>The Festival of Sport was a declaration that community-driven action can lift the burdens of those most in need. As Rotarians, diplomats, and athletes came together in Kigali, they demonstrated that with the right intention, even a game can save lives.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89776 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a12732h6a1273-5e224.jpg\" alt=\"The youth impressed many with their active involvement in efforts to secure a vehicle that will transport cancer patients to treatment centers.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89775 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a12662h6a1266-a30c8.jpg\" alt=\"The youth energized the event with captivating traditional dance performances.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89774 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a12982h6a1298-9c969.jpg\" alt=\"Some cricket players were also in attendance.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89773 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a13012h6a1301-54cfa.jpg\" alt=\"One of the representatives of Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, Masterjerb Birungi Paul, praised the youth for their dedication in organizing support activities.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89772 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a13042h6a1304-2b385.jpg\" alt=\"The event was organized by the youth with support from Rotary Club Kigali Virunga.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89771 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a13512h6a1351-71d77.jpg\" alt=\"The British Ambassador to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, expressed her appreciation for the initiative.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89770 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a13952h6a1395-443f9.jpg\" alt=\"The Nigerian Ambassador to Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, is a regular participant in Rotary Club activities.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89769 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a13392h6a1339-065c5.jpg\" alt=\"The event took place at the International School of Kigali.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89768 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a14082h6a1408-5d10c.jpg\" alt=\"Nuns who care for cancer patients.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89767 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a14232h6a1423-912cd.jpg\" alt=\"A prize raffle session was held during the event.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89766 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a15002h6a1500-ff3ad.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89765 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a15982h6a1598-93144.jpg\" alt=\"Fitnesspoint participated in the event.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89764 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a14652h6a1465-8d268.jpg\" alt=\"One of the cancer patients supported by the nuns.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89763 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a15722h6a1572-99a9b.jpg\" alt=\"Joselyne Umulisa was warmly received by Rotary Club Kigali Virunga.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89762 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a15092h6a1509-4db52.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89761 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a16672h6a1667-395ad.jpg\" alt=\"Rotary Club Kigali Virunga supports the nuns in caring for cancer patients.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89760 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a16112h6a1611-065dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89759 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a16722h6a1672-82c80.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89758 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a17472h6a1747-0581e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89757 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a17502h6a1750-ba16b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89756 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a18162h6a1816-297bc.jpg\" alt=\"Pickleball was incorporated as one of the activities during the event.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89755 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a17682h6a1768-d343b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89754 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a19442h6a1944-4784f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89753 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a18112h6a1811-7056e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89752 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a19602h6a1960-1140c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89751 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a19352h6a1935-f2709.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89750 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a18382h6a1838-ecc3e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89749 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a27442h6a2744-ea5f7.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89748 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a24112h6a2411-564cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89747 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a21642h6a2164-d3479.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-89746 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2h6a22202h6a2220-0b600.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a spirited celebration of unity and compassion, the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga hosted the 2025 Festival of Sport on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with the goal of transforming lives through the power of athletics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000089778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[170],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-54640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-igihe"],"bylines":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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