Isonga Youth Sports Initiative Grows Ahead of FEASSSA 2025 and Dakar Olympics

The announcement came after a sports camp concluded Saturday, August 9, at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB), marking the end of the project’s initial phase.

The closing ceremony was attended by Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire, Huye District Mayor Sebutege Ange, and leaders of various national sports associations.

The camp featured children competing in six sports: handball, running, volleyball, basketball, soccer and cycling.

Participants included children from the Isonga project, top performers in under-16 competitions, and those from camps affiliated with Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Tony Football Excellence Program, among others.

A total of 569 children participated — 208 girls and 361 boys. The number was lower than usual due to some participants preparing for the FEASSSA 2025 games in Kenya.

Since launching three years ago, Isonga has operated in 17 schools across several provinces. The ministry plans to expand the program to 42 schools and increase participants to 2,727 in phase two.

Minister Mukazayire urged the children to seize the opportunity to develop their talents.

“This journey of sports and talent development wouldn’t be possible without your presence. We started with 569 participants but aim to reach thousands,” she said.

“Remember, whenever you use your talent, you represent Rwanda. Being Rwandan means dignity, resilience, and hard work. Your choices affect not only you but others as well.”

Isonga project director Dr. Clairon Niyonsenga said the second phase, launching in September, will introduce sports for children with disabilities, including goalball and sitting volleyball.

The program will also continue building sports facilities in schools and prepare athletes to represent Rwanda at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.