Rwanda Annual Sports Awards

Transforming Lives Through Sports

[Eric E Murangwa MBE @e_murangwa]

It was a privilege to moderate last night’s fireside conversation at @rasa_rwanda_, under the theme “Beyond the Game: Turning Talents into Careers and Industry in Rwanda.”

Sharing the stage with my former coach and friend Longin Rudasingwa (“Sheriff”) and Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje was both inspiring and humbling. Listening to these two pioneers reflect on more than four decades of dedication to Rwandan sport was a powerful reminder that the greatest champions are often those whose impact extends far beyond the field of play.

Their journeys are remarkable not only because of what they achieved in football and volleyball, but also because of the successful careers they built beyond sport. Longin combined an outstanding journey as a player and coach with a pioneering and distinguished career in dentistry, while Prof. Lyambabaje went on to build an exceptional career in academia and higher education, serving in senior leadership roles and contributing to the development of education in Rwanda and beyond.

Their stories of perseverance, discipline, leadership, humility and service demonstrate how sport can shape individuals who go on to make a difference across society. They have not only helped shape the history of Rwandan football and volleyball, but have also mentored generations, served their communities and contributed to the country’s development in many different ways.

It was therefore fitting to see them honoured with the #UmurageAward, recognising a lifetime of achievement, service and a legacy that truly goes beyond the game.

Congratulations once again to Longin Rudasingwa and Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje on this richly deserved recognition. May your journeys continue to inspire future generations to dream bigger, pursue excellence in all areas of life and use sport as a foundation for leadership, service and positive change.

My sincere appreciation to the Rwanda Annual Sports Awards (RASA) for creating a platform that celebrates and preserves the legacy of those whose contributions have truly gone beyond the game.

#RASA2026 #UmurageAward #BeyondTheGame #RwandaSport #Leadership #Legacy #SportForDevelopment #CelebratingOurLegends

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Beyond the game, we can turn talent into careers and elevate Rwanda’s sports industry. 🇷🇼
Relive the inaugural night that officially marked the launch of the Rwanda Annual Sports Awards, celebrating the people shaping the future of sport beyond competition.

#RASA

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Hon. Minister of State in MINISPORTS, @NgarambeRwego commended the RASA initiative for celebrating individuals who continue to shape Rwanda’s sports landscape and thanked the legends who shared their inspiring stories.

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Longin Rudasingwa has shaped generations of Rwandan football. Beyond the game, he has spent over 40 years serving the nation as a healthcare professional, entrepreneur and mentor, proving that true champions continue to impact lives long after the final whistle.

#RASA

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

A football icon whose legacy extends far beyond the pitch. ⚽🇷🇼Longin Rudasingwa ("Sheriff")
From captaining Rayon Sports, Etincelles FC and Amavubi to leading APR FC and Rwanda's National Team.

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

From advancing volleyball in Rwanda to serving as Vice Chancellor, Minister and regional education leader, his journey continues to inspire generations to see sport as a pathway to leadership and national transformation.

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje:
A pioneer who turned sporting excellence into national leadership.
🇷🇼

A volleyball legend, champion, coach and federation president, Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje built a remarkable career in education, public service and entrepreneurship.

#RASA

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

“Sports yacu ikwiriye kutubyarira inyungu igaragara. Abakinnyi bacu bakabonamo amafaranga abateza imbere, ndetse bagakomeza kugera ku rwego mpuzamahaga.”

Habineza Thabit -PR & Corporate Communication Manager/ BK

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

“Iyi initiative yari ikenewe cyane, igihe cyari kigeze kugirango n’aba sportif bakomeye société ibibuke, ibahe agaciro ndetse ikomeze kubaha imbaraga zo gukomeza guteza imbere sports yacu.”

~ Joseline Umulisa , Founder/Head Coach: Tennis Rwanda Children's Foundation

#RASA

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

“Iyi gahunda ya RASA ije yiyongera ku zindi gahunda mu gutanga inkunga mu rugendo turimo rwo guteza imbere sports yo mu Rwanda.”
~@KarangwaJules, CEO/Rwanda Premier League

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

“Icyo nifuza nuko iyi initiative yamara imyaka myinshi igakomeza ikaduhuza, ndashimira na leta ndetse ninzego zose zabihaye umugisha”~ Bayigamba Robert - Managing Director /MANUMETAL

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

"Sports is more than competition. It creates discipline, hope, national pride, jobs, and stories that unite communities.
We created RASA to recognize, celebrate, and inspire the people driving Rwanda's sports industry forward" ~ Rwema Yvan, FOUNDER OF RASA

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Tonight, we honor the game changers and pioneers shaping the future of Rwanda’s sports. 🏆

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Stepping into the night in style 🔥

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

ALL IS SET ✨
The RASA Inaugural Night is here!

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Great conversations. Great music. What more could you ask for?

@dj_iraa will be on the decks, keeping the night alive with nothing but the right vibes. 🎶

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Talent is only the beginning. Let's turn it into careers, businesses, and a thriving sports industry. Join the conversation on unlocking Rwanda's sports potential for jobs and economic growth.

Theme: Turning Talent into Careers and Industry in Rwanda

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

Be part of something big. Be part of history! Join us for the official inauguration of RASA.

⚠️ Seats are limited, secure yours early!

📝 Register here: https://t.co/hIxVKeRIB0

#RASA

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

RASA is coming ⏳

🗓️10 July 2026 | 📍Kigali Convention Centre

Stay tuned!

#RASA #BeyondTheGame

[Rwanda Annual Sports Awards @rasa_rwanda_]

🏆 More than awards. More than sport.
RASA is where excellence is celebrated, legends are honored, and the future of Rwandan sport is shaped. 🇷🇼🔥

Join the movement that's turning talent into legacy and passion into opportunity.

#RASA #BeyondTheGame