Twenty athletes received cash prizes following a cross-country running competition held at the former football stadium in Ruyigi on October 11, bringing together 77 runners, including 50 boys and 27 girls, from different clubs and sports organizations across Burundi.
The competition was organized by the Francine Niyonsaba Foundation, with support from Play International and the Burundi Athletics Federation, under the theme “Everyone in Sport.”
The top 10 finishers in both the women’s and men’s categories received cash prizes aimed at encouraging young athletes and promoting athletics in Burundi.
Niyibitanga Dianne, the administrator of Ruyigi Commune, thanked internationally renowned Burundian athlete Francine Niyonsaba and the Burundi Athletics Federation for choosing Ruyigi to host the event.
Dieudonné Kwizera, known as Muvuduka, president of the Burundi Athletics Federation, described Niyonsaba as a bridge connecting Burundians with one another and linking Burundi to the international community. He said the competition brought together athletes from different parts of the country.
Kwizera also praised Niyonsaba for bringing recognition to her community and country through international athletics competitions. Despite challenges throughout her international career, she has established herself as one of Burundi’s most prominent athletes.
Niyonsaba said the competition aims to support young people through athletics while identifying and developing emerging talent that could follow in the footsteps of established Burundian athletes and potentially achieve even greater success.
She also explained that her foundation’s theme, “Everyone in Sport,” promotes inclusive participation in physical activity, particularly among girls and women.
Noting that October 11 coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child, Niyonsaba emphasized the importance of using sport to create opportunities for girls to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions. She said she hopes to see more Burundian women represent the country at international competitions.
Because this year’s event attracted athletes from several provinces, Niyonsaba announced that the next edition would be held in a different province rather than her home region. She called on parents, school administrators and organizations to invest in sports, particularly distance running, to help Burundi maintain and strengthen its presence in international competitions.
In the women’s category, Yvonne Horirabona took first place, winning 1 million Burundian francs (FBu). Divine Nduwimana finished second with FBu 700,000, while Anitha Niyonsaba placed third, receiving FBu 500,000.
The remaining women’s prize winners were Florence Irakoze in fourth place (FBu 250,000), Emelyne Manirakiza in fifth (FBu 150,000), Yvette Irinimbabazi in sixth (FBu 100,000), Nadine Inihazwe in seventh (FBu 80,000), Charlene Dusabe in eighth (FBu 50,000), Alexine Izerimana in ninth (FBu 30,000) and Disella Niyokwizera in tenth (FBu 20,000).
In the men’s category, Eddy Niyonsaba claimed first place and FBu 1 million. Justin Nihimbazwe finished second, earning FBu 700,000, while Eloge Bayubahe took third place with FBu 500,000.
The other men’s prize winners were Melance Ndayisenga in fourth place (FBu 250,000), Prosper Nkunzimana in fifth (FBu 150,000), Clovis Nduwimana in sixth (FBu 100,000), Gedeon Ndayifukamiye in seventh (FBu 80,000), Herve Hagabimana in eighth (FBu 50,000), Celestin Hakizimana in ninth (FBu 30,000) and Edouard Ndayikeza in tenth (FBu 20,000).
Eddy Niyonsaba thanked Francine Niyonsaba and the Burundi Athletics Federation for organizing sporting activities and encouraging young people to pursue athletics. He said such competitions motivate young people to exercise, improve their athletic performance and develop their sporting careers. He added that the prize money would help him advance his personal development.
The Ruyigi competition is part of broader efforts to promote athletics in Burundi, identify emerging talent and provide young people, particularly girls, with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities through sport.
