APR VC won the 22nd edition of the Rutsindura Memorial Volleyball Tournament, an annual competition organized to honor the late Alphonse Rutsindura, who was killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The three‑day tournament brought together teams from different categories, with this year’s edition extended beyond its usual schedule due to the increased number of participating teams. The event is organized annually by Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis de Butare, a school where Rutsindura once studied, taught, and coached volleyball.
Tournament Highlights
In the men’s professional category, APR VC claimed the championship after defeating REG VC in a thrilling final played over five sets, winning 3‑2. Gisagara VC secured third place after overcoming Police VC by the same scoreline of 3‑2. In the junior category, Nyanza TSS emerged victorious after a hard‑fought 3‑2 win against Gisagara Academy in the final.
Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis de Butare finished third after defeating Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare 3‑1. In the men’s Serie B category, Keystone lifted the trophy after beating Winstar, while Catholic University of Rwanda finished in third place. In the women’s competition, ESB Kamonyi won the title after edging RP Kigali 3‑2 in the final, with Lycée de Nyanza taking third place.
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The tournament also featured competitions involving secondary schools, primary schools, veteran players, community teams, and beach volleyball players, highlighting the broad impact of volleyball development inspired by Rutsindura’s legacy.
Remembering Alphonse Rutsindura
During the event, Jean Pierre Karabaranga, who Rutsindura once coached, shared memories of his mentor and spoke about the important role he played in developing volleyball in Rwanda. Before his death, Alphonse Rutsindura was widely respected for his contribution to Rwandan sports.
In addition to teaching music and Latin at the seminary, he served as a volleyball referee, coach, and sports administrator. He coached the Rwanda women’s national volleyball team between 1988 and 1990, led Rayon Sports VC, and also served as Vice President of the Rwanda Volleyball Federation, FRVB.
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Enduring Legacy
Born in 1958 in Ndora, located in today’s Gisagara District, Rutsindura studied at Petit Séminaire de Karubanda before continuing his higher education at the former Institut Pédagogique National. Alphonse Rutsindura was killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi alongside his wife, Verena Mukarubayiza, and most of their children.
Only one child survived. His enduring contribution to volleyball and education continues to be remembered every year through this memorial tournament, which has become a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the promotion of sports among young Rwandans.
