The spirit of remembrance blended with fierce competition as the 2025 Genocide Memorial Volleyball Tournament (GMT) wrapped up at Kigali’s Petit Stade on Sunday, June 22. Over three days of intense matches, 21 teams from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan gathered not only to compete but to honor the volleyball community members lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In the women’s final, Police Volleyball Club lived up to their billing as one of Rwanda’s top teams, but their path to victory was far from smooth. After a strong start against RRA, Police stumbled in the second set, allowing RRA to even the match. But Coach Christian Hatumimana’s squad regrouped with focus and grit, powering through the next two sets to clinch the title in four sets (15-25, 25-22, 25-15, 27-25).
The victory was celebrated by a loud and passionate crowd, among them Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, whose presence added extra motivation to the Police side.
The team’s standout performer, Merline Terry Tata, was deservedly named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her leadership and consistency throughout the competition.
The men’s final delivered one of the tournament’s biggest stories. Kenyan side Chema VC, making their first regional appearance, stunned many by eliminating their countrymates KPA in the semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated final clash against Rwanda’s REG VC.
Chema VC began strongly, taking the first set 18-25 with confidence. But REG VC’s head coach Benon Mugisha made a decisive move, substituting setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba with newcomer Crispin Ntanteteri. The change transformed REG’s tempo, allowing hitters Thon Magembo and Gideon Angiro to take charge at the net.
Backed by tight blocking and smart adjustments, REG stormed back to claim the next three sets (27-25, 25-22, 25-18), lifting the trophy in front of their home fans. Magembo’s stellar play earned him the men’s MVP award.
Earlier on Sunday, APR (women) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA – men) secured third-place finishes after winning their respective classification matches.
Beyond the trophies and medals, the tournament held a deeper meaning. The Genocide Memorial Tournament serves as a moment of reflection for Rwanda’s sports community, particularly volleyball, which lost over 50 of its members during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The annual competition not only pays tribute to the lives lost but also showcases the resilience, unity, and progress of the Rwandan people and their neighbors.
This year’s edition once again demonstrated how sport can bring people together in remembrance, healing, and hope for a brighter future.
