Twenty five years since Rwanda genocide marked at end of ANOCA Youth Games

More than 300 participants and officials at the inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone V Youth Games in Rwanda joined mourners in Huye District to mark the 25th anniversary of the genocide against Tutsi inhabitants by members of the Hutu majority.

The night vigil, at Huye Stadium, was preceded by a "Walk to Remember" from the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, The New Times in Kigali reported.

A flame of remembrance was also lit that will burn for 100 days.

William Blick, President of the ANOCA Zone V and International Olympic Committee member, called upon the young athletes present to become good ambassadors to fight "genocide denial".

Athletes from 12 countries took part in the first ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Rwanda ©Twitter

The first edition of the regional Eastern Africa Youth Games, which started on April 2 and concluded on Saturday (April 6), attracted around 350 athletes from 12 countries vying for medals in five different disciplines; beach volleyball, taekwondo, 3×3 basketball, athletics and cycling.



The host nation finishing fourth behind winners France - present as the guest nation - second-placed Kenya and Eritrea.

Rwandan athletes won a total of 22 medals - four golds, nine silvers, nine bronzes - across five sports.