Gymnastics federation launched

Rwanda Gymnastics Federation (RGF) was launched recently with activities including artistic, rhythmic, aerobic and acrobatic gymnastics at the NPC gymnasium.

Ten clubs from across the country have already registered with RGF and competed in monocycle, juggling and pyramid activities at both individual and team levels respectively.

They include Gatenga, Kimisagara, Gisenyi, Petit Seminaire de Butare, Club de Bugesera, Club Kimisagara Youth, Club Umurabyo de Musanze, Club de Gatenga Don Bosco, Club Aigles Acrobatiques de Muhanga and Club Hirondelle (Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle).

Club Gatenga Don Bosco won the juggling trophy while Club Hirondelle (Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle) clinched the pyramids trophy. Club Kimisagara Youth was crowned as the best team overall.

The federation will have several other games including gymnastics for all, men and women’s artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobic and acrobatic gymnastics as they seek affiliation to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the world governing body based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

RGF Marketing Manager Clarisse Mukarugendo said, “Gymnastics provides access, connectivity and mobility which are essential tools for economic, community and personal development. We noticed that young people have been practicing gymnastics for a long time so we have decided to start the federation. We believe that strong communities are built by strong sports.”

The RGF executive committee includes Jean Pierre Turatsinze (president), Aimable Rwabidadi (vice chairman) and Eugene Nzabantura (secretary general) among others.