The Burundi Rugby Federation (FBR) organized an extensive series of activities for its "Get Into Rugby" (GIR) program during the recent summer holidays, successfully benefiting numerous children from four distinct sites across the country: Kiyenzi, Centre Jeunes Kamenge, Kayanza, and Rumonge. This full initiative, which was originally launched and championed by World Rugby, aims to foster the discovery of rugby, facilitate initiation into the sport, and encourage the regular practice of rugby among young people. Through a structured and engaging approach, the program seeks to introduce the sport to a new generation. In Burundi, the GIR program serves as a key lever designed to broaden the base of rugby practitioners, with a particular focus on integrating the sport within the school system. Beyond skill development, it also actively encourages participants to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle, promoting regular physical activity as a fundamental aspect of their daily routines and overall well-being. This dual focus on athletic development and healthy living shows the program's holistic objectives for the youth of Burundi.
Program Details and Reach
Beneficiaries of the "Get Into Rugby" (GIR) program received essential school supplies, including notebooks and pens, which were thoughtfully distributed by the Burundi Rugby Federation (FBR) during the school holidays. This timely initiative provided concrete material support for children and young people under 12 years old, directly aiding their preparation for the upcoming school year. The provision of these educational materials notes the FBR's commitment to supporting the overall development of its young participants, recognizing the importance of academic success alongside sporting endeavors. This gesture not only assists families but also reinforces the connection between sports participation and educational attainment.
The GIR program employs a progressive, inclusive, and age-adapted methodology, meticulously designed to cater to the developmental stages of its young participants. Its structured design helps participants acquire fundamental rugby skills, building a solid foundation from an early age. Concurrently, the program places significant emphasis on fostering respect for rules, promoting effective teamwork, and instilling discipline, all of which are core tenets of rugby and valuable life skills. The program emphasizes the development of core rugby values, aiming to instill these principles deeply in its young participants, shaping not just their athletic abilities but also their character. Coaching within the program is designed to build solid foundations across multiple dimensions, focusing intently on technical proficiency in rugby skills, strong physical conditioning, a keen tactical understanding of the game, mental resilience in challenging situations, and the cultivation of positive behavioral traits both on and off the field. Through these multifaceted methods, the FBR seeks to cultivate well-rounded talent and strong character among the youth involved in the program, ensuring they grow as athletes and individuals.
Broader Impact and Values
The "Get Into Rugby" (GIR) program provides invaluable opportunities to identify young talents, offering a pathway for their progression into local clubs and potentially even national selections, according to the Burundi Rugby Federation. This talent detection mechanism is vital for the sustained growth and competitiveness of Burundian rugby. Beyond athletic development, the initiative profoundly promotes core rugby values among its participants. These values, which include respect for opponents and officials, solidarity with teammates, integrity in play, passion for the sport, and discipline in training and conduct, are not merely taught but are actively integrated into the program's daily activities and coaching philosophy. By embodying these principles, the program aims to develop not just skilled players but also responsible and ethical individuals.
Coaches involved in the program maintain an ongoing, proactive dialogue with parents to closely monitor the children's development. This open communication focuses on both their sporting progress and their behavioral growth, ensuring a full and holistic approach to youth development. This collaborative effort between coaches and parents creates a supportive environment for the children, addressing their needs both on and off the field. The regular and consistent coaching provided to children and youth through the GIR program is considered a significant and strategic investment for the future of Burundian rugby, aiming to build a strong and sustainable foundation for the sport in the country. This sustained engagement is meticulously designed to nurture both athletic ability and character, thereby contributing significantly to the long-term sustainability and strong growth of rugby in Burundi. The federation emphatically emphasizes that instilling these fundamental values from a young age is key for fostering well-rounded individuals and developing future athletes who will uphold the spirit of the sport.
Parental and Coach Involvement
The Burundi Rugby Federation (FBR) places considerable emphasis on the importance of parental involvement in supporting children and young rugby players, recognizing their critical role in a child's sporting journey, according to federation officials. To facilitate this involvement, parents receive regular and detailed information regarding training programs, schedules for upcoming competitions, and necessary travel arrangements for young participants. They are also consistently kept informed about various activities specifically designed for the youth within the "Get Into Rugby" (GIR) program, ensuring transparency and engagement.
The FBR actively works to sensitize parents on the broader importance of sports for their children's physical and mental health, ensuring they understand key safety rules and how to effectively balance rugby participation with their children's essential school obligations. This educational outreach aims to create an informed and supportive parental community. Gérard Ndikuriyo, the distinguished Secretary General of the FBR, articulated the program's overarching objective, stating that it is designed to instill fundamental rugby values in both girls and boys. "L’objectif de ce programme est d’inculquer aux filles et garçons, les valeurs fondamentales du rugby aux adolescents à travers une approche pédagogique progressive, adaptée à leur niveau et susceptible de poursuivre leur parcours sportif au sein des écoles de rugby et des clubs, contribuant ainsi au développement et au renouvellement des effectifs du rugby," Ndikuriyo explained. This full approach aims to allow participants to smoothly continue their sporting journey within established rugby schools and clubs, thereby making a vital contribution to the ongoing development and renewal of rugby's ranks throughout the nation. The FBR believes that by engaging parents and providing a clear pathway for progression, the GIR program will have a lasting positive impact on the youth and the future of rugby in Burundi.
