The Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee has launched a book about traditional and cultural sports ©RNOSC

The Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) has launched a book about traditional and cultural sports in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC).

As reported by The New Times, the book, written by elderly experts, describes in detail the promotion and acquaintance of traditional and cultural values through sports.

"It reminds us about the integral traditional values of our society," RNOSC President Valens Munyabagisha said during the launch.

"It is important because it combines the elements of the Olympic values - friendship, respect and excellence - which we value so dearly in the Rwandan society."

More than 32 traditional and cultural sports were mentioned during the book launch, which was held at the RNOSC's headquarters in Kigali's Amahoro Stadium. 

Rwanda has competed at the last nine editions of the Summer Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Rwanda has competed at the last nine editions of the Summer Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Among them were archery, arm wrestling, board games, boat racing, ancient boxing, high jumping, stick fighting, swimming and traditional wrestling.  

MINISPOC director of sports Emmanuel Bugingo said that by playing these sports, youths can better understand the beliefs and core values of Rwandan society.

Rwanda has competed at the last nine editions of the Summer Olympic Games.

The country has never won a medal, however.

Jean de Dieu Nkundabera won a Paralympic bronze medal for Rwanda in the men's 800 metres T46 event at the Athens 2004 Games.