Participants being trained on how to give first aid to injured rugby players. Courtesy photo
By Jejje Muhinde;
Over thirty participants have qualified as rugby level 1 coaches after a four-day training clinic which began on Monday to Thursday at Saint Francois Xavier in Kigali.
The level 1 coaches who included 20 men and 10 female from different districts in the country were trained by two training experts John Bosco Muamba from Rugby African and Dr Joseph Kalanzi from Uganda on major aspects which include the technical difference between the 7’s and 15 aside rugby, first aid, and fitness as well as strengthening and conditioning.
Muamba who was grateful for the turn up said participants were motivated and eager to learn to thank them for being good students.
Speaking during the passing out ceremony, Tharcisse Kamanda the president of Rwanda rugby federation thanked the trainers and trainees plus Rwanda Olympic Sports Committee (RNOSC).
” Let me take this opportunity to thank RNOSC for the support offered for this training to happen and I urge the coaches, and owners of different clubs to implement what they have learned in order to promote and develop the sport countrywide” Kamanda said.
He added that the the federation will appoint a committee in charge of making a follow up urging the participants who also worked as rugby development officers to file reports on what they do.
Alexis Sharangabo the general-secretary of RNOSC revealed that the training is part of the initiative aimed to develop rugby.
“When we train coaches, we take into consideration the impact and look at the indicators as well as make a follow up on how many coaches we have trained in the previous years, and those who need to be trained” he added.
Former rugby player Ernestine Ibemaso who represented Gorilla girls rugby team from Musanze also said that she has benefited by learning the essential skills on how to give first aid treatment to injured rugby players.
All qualified coaches were awarded certificates.