14 March 2012 - Rwanda today plays host to the United Nations African Games. More than 500 athletes from five UN offices and missions are taking part in the historic event, which marks the first time the games have been held in Africa.

The venues for the four-day competition, which opened at Amahoro stadium in Kigali, are being provided by the Rwandese Government. Participants will compete in badminton, basketball, football, golf, table-tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball and chess.

In remarks delivered to participants on behalf of African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari, UNAMID Force Commander Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba of Rwanda noted that "the purpose of the games is to strengthen the bonds between UN staff throughout the world."

In praise of the east African nation, Nyamvumba stated that "our efforts would have not been successful without the strong commitment and generosity of the Government of Rwanda and the relentless support of its officials. Rwanda rose to the challenge without hesitation, and with a dedication mirroring the strength of this nation and its commitment to the goals of the United Nations."