- Rwanda: Para Volleyball – Rwanda Picks Two Wins in Friendly Matches Usher Komugisha 2 December 2014
Rwandawomen’s sitting volleyball team registered two wins out of five games played against Egypt in a one-week training camp that ended over the weekend at the National Paralympic Committee gymnasium at Amahoro stadium.
Up against arguably the strongest side on the African continent, the Rwandans defeated Egypt 3-1 in the opening game before a humiliating 0-3 loss the following day.
The hosts then returned the favour with an identical 3-0 win against North Africans but the more experienced Egypt side recovered to win two back-to-back games to complete a 3-2 series win.
In an exclusive interview with Times Sport Rwanda’s head coach Phillip Kramer said, “I am quite impressed with our performance. However we have to learn to be consistent. We still have a lot of work to do and we have to continue training.”
It will be the first time an African women’s sitting volleyball team is competing at the Summer Paralympics. At the London 2012 event, the Rwanda men’s sitting volleyball team became the first sub Saharan team to compete at the Paralympics.
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- Rwanda: Intwari and Gicumbi Win Sitting Volleyball Games Jejje Muhinde 13 October 2014
Intwari of Gasabo, the finalist of last year’s sitting volleyball championship, overpowered Gisagara to lift the two-day ParaVolley Sitting trophy which ended on Sunday at the National Paralympics Gymnasium.
Though the East African Champions winner Intwari played without their stunning player Dominique Bizimana, they managed to win by 3 sets to 1 in the men’s category.
“The reason why we lost is because the players where over-confident and underestimated the opponent,” admitted Eric Gakwaya who heads Gisagara.
Intwari captain Emile Vuningabo was obviously excited with the brilliant performance of his teammates. “The win puts them back as representatives of Rwanda in the East African Championship,” he remarked.
In the women’s category, Gicumbi beat HVP Gatagara of Huye also by 3 sets to 1 to retain the trophy.
The sitting volleyball competition was held over the weekend after the local National Paralympics Committee failed to stage this year’s national league.
On the brighter side, the tournament will confirm the list of 12 players for both National Teams which have to face the qualifying competitions in 2015 for the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games.
- ParaVolley national tournament (Rwanda) due today. Peter Kamasa 11 October 2014
A TWO-DAY ParaVolley national tournament, organised by the National Paralympic Committee, gets underway today at the NPC-Gymnasium at Amahoro stadium in Remera.
ParaVolley is the new name for what used to be known as Sitting Volleyball. The event is expected to attract six men clubs name; Gisagara, Intwari, G.S Gatagara, Musanze, Gicumbi and THT Nyarugenge.
The women category includes G.S Gatagara, Gicumbi, Musanze and Nyarugenge. The preliminary rounds will played today and the finals on Sunday.
Intwari will be without their key setter Dominique Bizimana but the team will be buoyed by the return of Dieudonne Mutangana who recently completed his PhD studies in China.
The tournament will be used to select 12 players, who will form the national teams in both genders for next year’s qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
- Rwanda: NPC Shift Focus to Rio Games Preparations. Bonnie Mugabe. 29 August 2014.
- Rwanda: Meet Vuningabo, the Man Who Has Defied Odds to Become a National Sitting Volleyball Star. Richard Bishumba. 29 August 2014
SHORTLY after celebrating his 4th birthday, disaster came knocking. He suffered from a strange muscle illness that left him permanently disabled. But he did not resign to fate. Twenty seven years later, Emile Cadet Vuningabo has defied all odds to make it despite the disability. In the past six years he has played a big role in the development of sitting volleyball. Currently he is national Men’s team captain.
This is how the story of the national sitting ball captain begun.
Thanks to people like him, sitting volleyball is one of the best performing sports disciplines in Rwanda.
Gisagara sitting volleyball and the national women’s team were recently crowned East African champions at a regional tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The sport for the physically impaired persons was first introduced in Rwanda in late 2008 by Pierre Van Meenen, former president of the International Sitting volleyball Federation along with expert Jouke de Han from Netherlands on the invitation from local federation officials.
The last thing Vuningabo could have thought of in his childhood is becoming a star in sitting volleyball.
“I could not dream of sitting volleyball that was not even in the country yet, I just used to play football and volleyball until 2007 when I finished my secondary school studies. I started officially playing sitting volleyball in the late 2009,” he says.
During his primary and secondary school days, Vuningabo featured for his schools’ volleyball teams but unfortunately never won anything notable but after ditching volleyball for sitting volleyball in 2009, he has gone on to win silverwares at local and regional levels.
The 27-year- old Vuningabo has featured for only Gasabo district-Intwari club since in 2009.
Notably, he was a first line-up squad member of the 2010 World Sitting volleyball Championships team in the Unites States of America and team captain at the 2012 London Paralympics Games, although at both occasions they were eliminated in the group stages.
Vuningoma helped the national team win the World Sitball Championships in 2010 in Kampala, Uganda and also finished as first runners-up in 2013 in Kigali losing to Germany in the final. In 2010, he also won the Sub-Saharan sitting volleyball championships with the national team.
Turning 28 in October, Vuningabo has been the captain of the national sitting volleyball and sitball teams since November 2011.
He doesn’t only play sitting volleyball but also juggles other jobs to make ends meet. “I also have a job and it doesn’t affect my playing. I create time for each,” he explains. Apart from playing, Vuningabo is an Officer at National Union of Disabilities Organisation of Rwanda.
Future plans:
The major target is appearing at the next Paralympics Games for the second time to be staged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.
He said: “This is not a one-man battle, together as a team we have set ourselves a target to qualify for the 2016 Rio Paralympics and performing better than we did in London in 2012.”
“We are already in preparations and hopefully we will start playing international friendly matches in September ahead of early 2015 qualifiers. Egypt is our major threat in Africa.”
His advice to people living with disability:
“It’s high time that fellow people with disabilities stopped hiding and show the world what they are capable of doing. I believe sitting volleyball in Rwanda performs better than many disciplines.”
Who is Vuningabo?
Born Emile Cadet Vuningabo, was born in Bujumbura, Burundi on October 9, 1986 to Donat Kayumba (RIP) and Josephine Mukabutera, he is the last born from a family of eight children – five boys and three girls. His father and three siblings- one boy and two girls passed away.
Vuningabo attended Bugesera-based Rilima Primary School before going to Kamonyi-based GS Don de Dieu Remera-Rukoma for secondary school doing Maths and Physics in A’ level that he completed in 2007.
In 2012, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences and Education from University of Rwanda- College of Education (UR-CoE) and current pursuing Masters degree in Project Management at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University.
Vuningabo was not born with any disability, but shortly after celebrating his fourth birth day, he suffered from a strange muscular disease on the left foot, which left him disabled despite all efforts by his parents to find a cure.
Still single, Vuningabo, who resides in Gikondo sector, Kicukiro District says former Rwanda National Paralympic Committee president Dominique Bizimana and Bosnia’s Mirzet Duran are his idols and source of inspiration.
After joining Intwari sitting V-Ball club in late 2009 as a learner, he never looked back and went on to develop his game and grew into one of the best players in the country.
He notes: “I’m fine at Intwari, I just feel at home. After joining the side in 2009, they welcomed me, mentored me and developed me into the player I am today. I can’t ask anything more at the club.”
Vuningoma has helped his team Intwari to win both the national sitting volleyball and sitball league titles in his first season, and they successfully retained both titles in each of the subsequent three seasons.
However, in 2013, they were dethroned by Gisagara. Last year, Intwari finished first runners-up and second runners-up this year behind champions Gisagara and Gatagara respectively.
National team duties:
“Nothing pleases me than serving my country; when I’m in national team colours, I always do everything possible to fly the national flag high. I feel very honoured and proud to represent Rwanda on the international scene,” he says.
The soft-spoken Vuningabo earned his first national team cap in 2010 and he has never missed out a single call ever since. He featured for the national team in different international competitions.
- Rwanda Clubs Best At East and Central African Showpiece. Consolata Makokha. 25 August 2014
RWANDA’S Gisagara and Nyarugenge won the first East and Central Africa sitting volleyball club championships over the weekend at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium.
Gisagara, the men’s team, carried the day beating Nyayo Club 3-1 (25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-23) in the final. It was a tight contest that almost proceeded to the rally set but the Rwandese were too tough for the homeboys.
- Rwandan teams win regional sitting Volleyball tournament. Richard Bishumba. 24 August 2014
Sunday
Finals: Men
Gisagara 3-1 Nyayo
(Ken) 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-21
Women
Rwanda 3-2 Nairobi (Ken)
25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 15-25, 15-7
GISAGARA Men’s sitting volleyball club and national women’s team were on Saturday crowned champions of the East Africa sitball championships held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two Rwandan teams made history by winning both trophies on their maiden appearance at the regional tournament.
Gisagara claimed the men’s title after beating Nyayo of Kenya in four sets (3-1), 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-21, while national women’s team beat Nairobi team in five sets (3-2) 25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 15-25, 15-7 to claim the crown.
The competition was also initially supposed to attract teams from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo and hosts Kenya, but in the end only two countries were represented.
Also published in in2eastafrica.net and Allafrica.com
- Rwanda Clubs Best At East and Central African Showpiece. Consolata Makokha 25 Aug 2014
RWANDA’S Gisagara and Nyarugenge won the first East and Central Africa sitting volleyball club championships over the weekend at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium.
Gisagara, the men’s team, carried the day beating Nyayo Club 3-1 (25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-23) in the final. It was a tight contest that almost proceeded to the rally set but the Rwandese were too tough for the homeboys.
“Both teams played well but I am happy my team outshone Nyayo. However, being an international tournament, the level of officiating should be above what we just witnessed,” said Eric Gakwaya, Gisagara’s coach.
Gisagara led Meru and Kaspul in pool “B” to book a date with Muthurwa Club in the first semi final. The Rwandese side then clubbed Muthurwa 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-20) to advance to the final. After winning all their preliminaries matches, Nyayo clobbered Meru 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-14) to set themselves up against Gisagara in the final.
“The match was not easy but we are happy to have won our first international tournament. The girls started on a good note but after taking the first two sets they relaxed and picking up was hard. Muthurwa banked on their experience to take the third and fourth sets but my girls came back stronger in the rally and won the game,” said Jean Nsengiyumva, Nyargenge’s caretaker coach. He was standing in for Peter Karreman from the Netherlands.
After finishing top of pool “A” Rwanda’s Nyarugenge proceeded to beat Bungoma Club, second in pool “B”, 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-14) in the semi final. In the other semi, pool “B” winners Trans Nzoia allowed Nairobi’s Muthurwa a place in the final when they lost 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-11).
In the men’s play-offs for third and fourth position Muthurwa thwarted Meru 3-0 (25-9, 25-12, 25-14). In the women’s cluster, Trans Nzoia managed to come from a set down to win 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-20) and take home the third position trophy.
- Kenya: Nairobi and Rwanda Sides Start Regional Show on Winning Note. Consolata Makokha. 22 August 2014
Kenya and Rwandese clubs started the inaugural East and Central Africa sitting volleyball Championships win victories at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium yesterday. Kenya’s Nyayo (men) beat Trans Nzoia 2-0 (25-10, 25-15) before crushing Bungoma 2-0 (25-17, 25-20) in a best of three format. Nyayo made good their vast exposure with Africa’s best server, Anthony Imanyara disorganising Trans Nzoia’s reception in the first set. With Bungoma unable to permeate Nyayo’s blocks, John Okello (the libero) was very swift in his movement to collect back court balls that their opponents had resorted to.
Coach Jump Walukhu was impressed with his charges’ performance. “I am happy with the results so far, and we hope to go all the way and clinch the trophy,” said Walukhu.
Rwandese sides, Gisagara (men) clobbered Meru Club 2-0 (25-12, 25-13) and Kaspul 2-0 (25-1, 25-15) while Nyarugenge (women) whitewashed Meru 2-0 (25-4, 25-10) and Trans Nzoia with the same set margin of (25-14, 25,8). Coach Jean Marie Nsengiyumva of Nyarugenge said he is satisfied with his teams performance.”The girls played well and according to instructions and I am happy we are heading in the right direction,” he said. Muthurwa Club (men)–the other Nairobi team– beat Trans Nzoia 2-0 (25-20, 25-10) in the opener while Mumias fell to Bungoma 1-2 (21-25, 25-16, 14-25). In the women’s category, Muthurwa club beat Bungoma 2-0 (25-11, 25-21), then waylaid Kaspul 2-0 (25-20, 25-6). Trans Nzoia beat Mumias 2-0 (25-15, 25-17) and Bungoma defeated Kaspul 2-0 (25-18, 25-12).
- Kenyans Wary of Rwandese Sides As Regional Championship Starts. Consolata Makokha. 21 Aug 2014.
Nyayo Club coach Juma Walukhu has cited Rwandese sides as their biggest threat during the East and Central Africa Club sitting volleyball Championships, starting today at Nyayo Stadium. However, the coach believes, Nyayo sides (men and women) will start favourites by virtue of being the reigning champions in Kenya.
The club also contribute more than 50 per cent of players in the national team. “Despite the fact that no Kenyan side has met a team from Rwanda, we know they have good structures and their programme for sitting volleyball is strong and has been running for a while. However, we will be keen to contain them as we aim at winning the championships,” he added.
Over 20 teams have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the tournament with Rwanda, the only foreign squads being represented in both the men’s and women’s categories. Teams arrived yesterday and trained at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium later in the evening. Kenya have listed teams from Nairobi (2), Kaspul, Siaya, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nyeri, Menu and Mumias. The newly admitted international referee Tabitha Cherono will also officiate the games.
- East Africa: Sitting Volleyball Teams Gear Up for EAC Meet. Richard Bishumba 30 July 2014
RWANDA men’s sitting volleyball champions Gisagara and the national women team are set to feature for the first time in the East African Championships due next month in Nairobi, Kenya from August 20 to 24.
Both teams are set to start training on August 3 and will set-off for Niarobi on August18, two days before the tournament kicks off.
Despite participating in the regional competitions for the maiden time, both teams will be going for titles, according National Paralympics Committee (NPC) president Celestin Nzeyimana.
“We are going to compete in the East African championships for our first time but it doesn’t mean we are going there just to participate, we are targeting to win titles in both categories,” Nzeyimana told Times Sport on Tuesday.
He also noted that the competition will be a good platform for both teams to evaluate their preparedness ahead of qualifiers for the 2016 Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games are set for next year and NPC is aiming at having both teams qualify after the men’s team made its debut at the 2012 London Paralympics.
Named squads:
Men: Emile Vuningoma, Callixte Twagirayezu, Vincent Tuyisenge, Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi, Fulgence Hagenimana, Jean Baptiste Murema, Jean Bosco Ngizwenimana, Jean Rukundo, Bernard Ahishakiye, Désiré Serugo, Semana, Prosper Kuramba and Emmanuel Isingizwe.