Africa Triathlon

The Rwanda Triathlon Federation (RTF) recently organized the first community level coaching and technical officials courses in Rubavu in order officially launch the Federation and triathlon in the country.

This training was addressed to technical officials, coaches and referees and was organized by the RTF. It was also conducted by two representatives of ITU, Mr. Travis Campbell who is in charge of Triathlon Development in Africa and Mr. Franz Studer.

After theoretical sessions, officials and some volunteer athletes participated in the demonstration of how a triathlon competition is organized.

A small event was organized to allow participants to exercise what they have learned. Two mixed gender test races were organized - an individual race, as well as a team relay race.

Course facilitators Campbell and Studer were impressed by Rwanda in terms of landscape, which they thought to be very good for developing the sport. The instructors also thought the athletes displayed high potential for duathlon competition (running-biking- running) and a good potential for triathlon, as well as plentiful opportunities for organizing races.

The chairman of RTF, Mr. Alexis Mbaraga, emphasized the need to strengthen the knowledge of the new sport and the structure of the clubs and the federation as it is a new Olympic sport which has just been introduced in the country. The federation would also like to encourage youth and motivate the population in getting more involved.

Mbaraga mentioned that the sport has the advantage that it does not require sophisticated infrastructure and this can facilitate regular training for athletes.

The Representative of the Ministry of Sports and Culture Mr. Benoit Nkurunziza and the Representative of National Olympic Committee Mr. Elie Manirarora mentioned that they liked what they saw and they would report positively in hopes that the Federation will get more support in the future from the Ministry and Olympic Solidarity. They commented that triathlon has the potential to activate people of all ages.

RTF would like to thank CocaCola for sponsoring the conference, as well as ITU President and ATU President in their efforts for developing triathlon in the region.