The final matches of the Fair Play Football Tournament, organized by the non_ governmental organization Rwanda Youth Clubs for Peace, have concluded on 14 June 2026, The tournament is held in memory of Chris Harrington, a talented football player who passed away at a young
age.
The competition aims to promote unity, peace, and social cohesion through sports. It took place in Bigogwe Sector; Nyabihu District, bringing together young people from different districts to foster peace, unity, and showcase sporting talent. Participants said the tournament helps strengthen friendship, unity, and the development of their sporting abilities.
Nshongore Patrick, a student at G.S Shwemu 2 TSS said “This tournament helps us build good relationships with our peers, develop our talents through sports and learn valuable lessons that help us in our daily lives.”
Uwaje Neza Pascaline, a student at G.S St Raphael Rambura in Nyabihu District, shared a similar experience:
“Besides winning the trophy, we had an opportunity to enjoy ourselves and showcase our talents. The awareness messages on preventing gender_ based violence were very helpful because I learned how to protect myself and the proper channels for reporting cases when I see someone being abused.”
The Executive Director of Rwanda Youth Clubs for Peace, Ladislas Yassin Nkundabanyanga, explained that the tournament was organized as part of activities commemorating the 32nd Genocide against the Tutsi 1994, a particular focus on combating genocide ideology among young people and promoting respect for human rights.
He said: “These tournaments are organized to bring young people together, help them develop their talents and demonstrate the role of football in building and promoting peace. Young people make up the majority of Rwanda’s population. If we want to preserve the peace we enjoy today, youth participation and commitment are essential. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped by young people, and today’s youth must be prepared to continue contributing to the country’s development and stability.”
The Head of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Nyabihu District, Jean Pierre Niyonshuti, urged young people to protect themselves from gender_ based violence and to report any signs or incidents promptly so that preventive action can be taken.
He stated: “Parents should educate their children about the existence of gender-based violence and how to avoid it. Everyone has a responsibility to help prevent and report such cases. We also encourage children and young people to be cautious of individuals who may try to lure them with promises of jobs, money, education opportunities, or other incentives that could put them at risk.”
The tournament concluded with the awarding of prizes to the best_ performing teams. A total of 50 teams participated, including 30 boys’ teams and 20 girls’ teams from the districts of Nyabihu; Musanze; Rubavu and Rutsiro.
In the girls’ category, G.S St Raphael Rambura from Nyabihu District won the championship after defeating G.S Albert Rwanzekuma from Rubavu District 1-0. In the boys’ category, Shwemu 2 TSS from Rubavu District claimed the title after a convincing 6-1 victory over Never Give Up from Musanze District.
By Immaculée MUTEZIMANA
