The special envoy of United Nations, Jacques Rogge has unveiled that more than USD 392,000 has been allocated to supporting sports among refugees in Rwanda.
He revealed this yesterday as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) handed various sports materials to Burundi refugees in Mahama camp.
“We have allocated the money in support of sports and entertainment among all refugee camps in Rwanda to inspire their participation in sports and take it as a vital part in their lives,” he said.
Dr Azam Saber, the UNHCR Country Representative in Rwanda said that the fund must capacitate refugees accommodated in Rwanda to participate in Olympic Games.
“We want to promote games to the extent that Rwanda will be represented by four refugees in Olympic Games expected to be held in Tokyo in four years from now,” he said.
He explained that sports plays a vital role especially in wellbeing of all people of walks of life adding that the plan of implementing sports activities among refugees will go into force at the beginning of 2017.
Volley ball, Karate and other cultural games have already started in Mahama refugee camp. Even though challenges of getting enough materials and coaches remain, Jacques Rogge said that the part of availed money will be directed to address the issue.
The Minister of Refugees and Disaster Management (MIDIMAR), Séraphine Mukantabana said that being a refugee doesn’t remove human rights to enjoy sports and entertainment.
“Refugees have rights to entertainment as others. You have seen that we were busy seeking accommodation among other basic support since they came. Beyond that they need to find a sports grounds from which they can play to assuage their pain of hard life they are experiencing,” she said.
Ngendakuriyo Leonard, the coach in physical exercises in Mahama refugee camp requested authorization of teams in Mahama refugee camp to participate in Rwanda’s tournaments which the management of Olympics Committee said is possible.
Today, more than 147, 000 refugees live in 6 camps in Rwanda. It is expected that games will be introduced in all refugee camps in Rwanda.
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