The search for talented athletes with intellectual disabilities began with the 10th National Games for People with Intellectual Disabilities, held on September 19, 2026, at Imbuto Hub in Nyamata, Bugesera District. The event brought together 12 teams from across Rwanda's provinces, competing in various sports such as football, basketball, bocce, and athletics. The games aimed to identify potential athletes who will represent Rwanda at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
The National Games featured intense competitions, with Izere Mubyeyi emerging as the top football team, defeating Amizero 2-1 in the final match. In basketball, HVP Gatagara secured the gold medal, defeating Face of Love 15-10. The athletics events saw Ngiruwonsanga Alex from Ngoma and Uwingeneye Thérèse from Muhanga winning gold medals in the 100m race for women and men, respectively.
The bocce competition, which was held in three categories, saw Irafasha Patience from Gasabo, Nyiramatabaruka Alphonsine from Huye, and Muteteyimana Alia from Amizero winning gold medals in the women's category. In the men's category, Manizabayo Eric from EP Karwasa, Ndayizeye Pacifique from VDOSE, and Ishimwe Jean de la Croix from GS Kabirizi emerged as the top performers.
The best performers at the National Games will be given the opportunity to represent Rwanda at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile. According to Jean Pierre Karabaranga, President of Special Olympics Rwanda, the organization is committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and providing them with opportunities to participate in sports.
Karabaranga expressed his gratitude to parents who have chosen to support their children with intellectual disabilities, rather than hiding them. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and other activities.
Florent Habyarimana, an expert in physical education and sports development at the Ministry of Sports, assured that the ministry is committed to supporting the preparation of the national team for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games. He emphasized that people with intellectual disabilities are just like anyone else and deserve equal opportunities to participate in sports.
The Special Olympics organization has been working in Rwanda since 2002, providing support to people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Over the past 25 years, the organization has reached over 20,000 children and has trained more than 1,000 coaches to support them in various sports.
Key points
- The 10th National Games for People with Intellectual Disabilities were held in Rwanda to identify potential athletes for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
- The games featured various sports, including football, basketball, bocce, and athletics, and were attended by 12 teams from across Rwanda's provinces.
- The best performers at the National Games will represent Rwanda at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile.
