By Nick Butler

Archery is on target for growth in Rwanda after a distribution of Olympic standard equipment ©Getty ImagesArchery equipment worth $5,000 (£3,000/€4,000) is being distributed by the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) throughout the African country in a major boost for the sport.


The Olympic-standard equipment was originally donated by Kigali-based Internet Service Provider Axiom Networks, but was presented to Richard Mahumuza, President of Rwanda Archery and Shooting Sports Federation, by RNOSC executive director Martin Koonce.

In a special ceremony held at the Archery Federation offices located at Amahoro National Stadium, Axiom Networks was also present, represented by chief executive Johnny Kayihura.

Also in attendance was the new national coach for Rwanda Archery, John Lee, who is in the country working with South Korea's development agency KOICA, aiming to take the sport into new parts of the world.

Although Rwanda has participated in the last eight editions of the Summer Olympic Games, they are yet to compete in archery, and Lee admitted that which there is no shortage of "passion for the sport and the urge to excel" in the country, material resources had not been enough to support them.

It will be hoped that this equipment will alleviate this problem and give Rwandans the opportunity to hone their technique with an eye to participation at Rio 2016.

After no African archers competed at last weekend's World Cup Final in Lausanne, the news will also be a boost to the sport as a whole, with World Archery President Uğur Erdener having told insidethegames that taking the sport into new areas is a major focus going forwards.

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