Held in the district of Rubavu, discussions between members of local communities and leading political figures also took place as Colonel Rutikanga John Busco, Rwandan army commander across the region, lectured on the role of the army in overseeing sports policy.

After Busco's lecture, Rwemalika Welcomes, Councillor and Chair of the Commission for Sport and the National Olympic Committee Women and Sport of Rwanda, spoke on women's sport across the African nation.

The event attracted a host of stellar speakers as RNOSC President Robert Bayigamba discussed the Olympic values and how sport is crucial to health.

Emmanuel Bugingo, athletic director at the Ministry of Sports and Culture, also spoke on the way sport can help combat violence, particularly towards women.

There were packed rooms in the Rwandan capital as the conference unfolded ©RNOSC



Cycling was the first sporting competition to be held as 35 women competed in a 10 kilometres race, before both men and women took part in a mixed beach volleyball event.

A mixed mini football competition rounded off the day as mixed teams of boys and girls under the age of 20 was played at the local filed at the Stella Maris parish, which was followed by an awards ceremony.

Following the conclusion of the sports events, other festivities to mark International Women's Day were also staged.

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