Shooting Touch Rwanda held its 3rd Annual Bugesera Basketball-for-Equality Day in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, to promote gender equality and health awareness through sport.
The event, organized on March 9, 2025 in partnership with Bugesera District and Rilima Health Center, brought together over 500 people. Activities included basketball games, discussions on gender equality, and free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV.
Teams from Rilima and Mayange competed in four basketball matches. Rilima Sector won all games, showcasing strong performances, especially from women and youth teams.
“This event is good for the players because they desire to compete, and this gives them an opportunity to represent their community,” said David, head coach of STR Rilima. “It’s even more incredible because we emerged as champions in every game.”
Speeches from local leaders emphasized the need to fight gender-based violence and promote equal rights for all Rwandans. Over 157 people received health screenings, with follow-ups and referrals provided as needed.
“Our country’s vision is shared development, with no gender-based discrimination,” said Bamurange Appolinarie, Gender Monitoring Officer. “We must work together to find solutions to the challenges we face.”
The event marked continued efforts by Shooting Touch to use basketball as a tool for social change in Rwanda’s Eastern Province.
