INAUGURATION of PLAY International's Mission Rwanda

Vendredi 18 octobre 2024

#Rwanda

PLAY International celebrated the official opening of its new mission in Rwanda during the inauguration evening on October 07, 2024 at L'hôtel Nobleza. Rwanda joins the list of countries such as Comoros, Kosovo, Senegal, Burundi and France where PLAY International. It was also an opportunity to present the new “Toutes en sport” project, which aims to encourage equality between girls and boys.

Having arrived in Rwanda a year ago, PLAY International is delighted to present its new team, launch its new project and inaugurate its mission in Kigali : the starting gun has been fired to develop and grow the impact of sports programs at the service of development and education.

In Kigali, the event brought together numerous players from the sports sector, including PLAY's partner federations, members of Rwandan civil society, members of international NGOs and guests of honor representing the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) and the Ministry of Sport or representing the AFD, in the presence of Mr. Antoine Anfré, French Ambassador to Rwanda. Arnaud Mourot, president and cofounder of PLAY International twenty-five years ago, sent a video message of support and encouragement to the entire team, now made up of 4 staff.

Salima Mukansanga and French Ambassador Antoine ANFRé — Salima Mukansanga, 1st African woman referee accredited by FIFA, and French Ambassador to Rwanda Antoine Anfré

Mr Antoine Anfré, French ambassador to Rwanda, and Félicité Rwemarika, founder of AKWOS and member of the International Olympic Committee.

PLAY Rwanda team — Pascaline Curtet, Head of Mission Rwanda, Claire Mushimiyimana, Administration and Finance Officer, Gisele Kazuwitonze, Pedagogical Coordinator, and Moïse Nkuruziza, Program Manager

The inauguration evening provided an opportunity to outline Play's mission in Rwanda, its commitment to using sport as a lever for social inclusion, and its upcoming projects. The event was also an opportunity to discuss the importance of gender equality in sport, an area where girls and women encounter difficulties in accessing or participating in physical activities and sports. Our new three-year project entitled “Toutes en sport” aims to encourage equality between girls and boys in sports clubs in Rwanda. Participants were treated to inspiring speeches from the MIGEPROF representative and the French Ambassador to Rwanda, who shared their support for Play International. The speeches highlighted the commitment that together - partners, sports players, institutions and donors - we can make to using sport as a tool for transforming society.

It was a beautiful evening and the expressions of support were obvious.