Rwanda withdraws from hosting Athletics Championships

  By Fred Maingi
The 2013 African Junior Athletics championships suffered a major blow  after Rwanda withdrew hosting the event citing financial constraints.With barely nine months to the championships, Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) will have to look elsewhere  following Rwanda’s  decision. Rwanda Athletics Federation president Jean Damascene Nkezabo has written to CAA informing them of the country’s withdrawal.
In a statement, CAA Vice President, David Okeyo from Kenya said it was unfortunate that Rwanda had opted to step aside  even after confirming they will be in a position to host the glamour event. Rwanda was the sole bidder to host the event.
“ It is a big blow to CAA as they rush to get a replacement to Rwanda. They were given hosting rights in July. There is nothing we can do but accept their decision.” noted Okeyo.
It remains to be seen which country will get hosting rights after the latest unfolding from Rwanda. Gaberone Botswana hosted the 2011 championships while Kenya hosted 2010 Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Nairobi.
    At the bidding ceremony, Rwanda was represented by National Athletics Federation’s Jean Damascène Nkezabo and the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports, Emmanuel Bugingo.

After several meetings and visits by Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) officials, Rwanda was informed that they would have to inject over US$2 million(Rwf1.3bn) to facilitate the championship.