Rwanda Athletics Federation: Inspiring a Nation through Athletics
Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) is the leading authority governing all athletics events in Rwanda, encompassing track and field, road running, race walking, and cross-country running. Our primary mission is to promote and elevate these disciplines throughout the country, with a strategic focus on making athletics the top participation sport in schools. We are dedicated to fostering a love for sport, especially athletics, in the younger generation to cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle, while identifying and nurturing the future stars of Rwandan sport.
Athletics is one of the oldest and most fundamental forms of human competition, with its core elements—running, jumping, and throwing—being natural and universal expressions of physical ability. Beyond competition, athletics offers invaluable lessons in resilience and perseverance, equipping individuals with the tools to tackle life’s challenges.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is essential for national sports federations like RAF to be proactive in reaching new audiences and creating opportunities for athletics to thrive. While we remain committed to high performance, medals, and records, we also recognize the importance of making athletics accessible to everyone, ensuring that the maximum number of Rwandans can participate in and benefit from this timeless sport.
Our efforts include promoting road running, which engages the largest section of the public in the world of athletics. We are also dedicated to ensuring that athletics becomes an integral part of the school system across Rwanda. By introducing children as young as seven to the joys of athletics and sustaining their interest into their teenage years—when participation in sport often declines—we aim to build a strong foundation for the future.
However, we understand that athletics competes for public attention in a media-saturated world. To meet this challenge, we are adapting our programs to reflect the diverse interests of today’s society while embracing our responsibility to address social, environmental, and developmental goals that contribute to Rwanda’s progress. We believe athletics can be a powerful force for positive change.
Rwanda’s unique geography as a “land of a thousand hills,” with altitudes reaching 4,510 meters, makes it a natural stage for ultra-distance running and mountain racing, two disciplines in which we are keen to excel. We are also proud to be part of the global “Run for Fun” movement, fostering a culture of active living and enjoyment of sport.
Finally, athletics holds a special place as the cornerstone of the Olympic Games. The rich history of the Olympics and athletics are intertwined, and the Rwanda Athletics Federation takes great pride in this legacy. As we look to the future, we are committed to nurturing Rwanda’s athletes and inspiring the nation through the universal values and joys of athletics.
