Despite the difficulties that the Burundian athletes delegation encountered to participate in the 2018 African Athletics Championships held in Asaba, capital of the Delta State in Nigeria from August 1 to 5, Burundi was ranked 14th.
Francine Niyonsaba won a silver medal in 2018 African Athletics Championships
Francine Niyonsaba won a silver medal in 800m race. The Burundian delegation of five athletes led by Francine Niyonsaba and Antoine Gakeme returned to Burundi on August 7, 2018.
Niyonsaba deplores the fact that the Burundian delegation did not receive travel allowances from the government. She, however, thanks the Burundian athletics federation for making efforts to send athletes to Asaba. “All the Burundian athletes who participated in the 2018 African Athletics Championships have performed well; Burundi has been ranked 14th in Africa. It’s an honor for us and our country, “says Niyonsaba.
She accuses the Ministry of Sports of negligence. A few days before the departure, the ministry in charge of Sports told them that it was not able to fund the trip. “The Ministry was aware of the holding of this championship a long time ago, but it did not have the fees available for the Burundian athletes. I find that there has been some negligence, “says Niyonsaba. She calls on the ministry in charge of youth to effectively support talented Burundians.
IWACU Open Data
