For the first time, Rwanda won a Gold medal in World Championship thanks to Muvunyi Hermas; a person with disability; who stormed to victory in 800m T46 category running 1min 54sec and 43’’’ during the sixth IPC Athletics World Championships held at Lyon-France 2013.
On 30th July 2013, at Sports View Hotel, it was a great joy to celebrate the Victory. “We are happy because the Rwanda National Flag and National anthem were glorified at world levelâ€. The NCPD President said. He revealed that the win of Muvunyi as a person with disability has demonstrated that disability is not inability.
The celebration was attended by dignitaries including Honorable Minister of Sport and Culture who was also the guest of honor, Minister of Local Government, State Minister in charge of the Community Development and Social Affairs in MINALOC, Permanent Secretary in MINISPOC, Mayor of City of Kigali, the British High Commissioner, the Member of Parliament standing for Persons with Disabilities, Vice Chairman of Itorero ry’Igihugu among others.
In his speech, Muvunyi expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its support during preparation and participation in the competition and requested for further support so that he may participate in the incoming competition games organized by Commonwealth and the Championship to be held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Speaking at occasion, the Minister of Sports and Culture said that all the Government is very proud of Muvunyi for the victory he won at world level. “This victory is not for Muvunyi only, but it is for all Rwandans. This shows the Rwandan value of strive to achieve the established goal†He said. The Minister pledged to support him to participate in further competitions and gave him an envelope of three million Rwandan francs (3,000,000 Rwf) as recognition of his world level victory as a Rwandan.
Note that it is not the first time for Muvunyi to win international competitions; he also held record for the fastest African Paralympian in 400m at the 2012 London Paralympics Games and won Gold Medal in 400m and Silver Medal in 800m in 2011 during All African Games. Muvunyi has also won 2 Gold Medals in 4 00m & 800m / 2012 Tunis.
The Hero’s band made by persons with visual impairment entertained participants during celebrations.
Reported by:
Nyirabugenimana Sylvie