Liliane Mukobwankawe knows the importance of progress, both for herself and for Rwandan sitting volleyball. After Rwanda’s victory over hosts France on Wednesday at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Gaames in North Paris Arena, she expressed her pride, “As the Rwandan team, defeating France was very important for us. It was the second time to play against them, we had a friendly match with them. We are happy with today’s victory.”
Mukobwankawe has become the face of Rwandan sitting volleyball, a symbol of the team’s progress on the global stage. As captain since 2016, she has led her team through three consecutive Paralympic appearances, including a significant victory against hosts France in Paris 2024. This win not only marked a major achievement for Rwanda but also highlighted Mukobwankawe’s leadership and the team’s growing presence in international competition.
For her, the path to this point has been far from easy. Reflecting on the early days of the sport’s development in Rwanda, she said, “I would say that development of the sport in Rwanda was quite difficult. We looked at it as just like able-bodied volleyball. We needed someone tall, someone who can block, someone who can be a good libero. It was very hard especially at that time that we didn’t have good facilities. Almost no one wanted to play because of the quality of the court.”
Things began to change as the government and local communities started to understand the sport better.
“From then, our government started to understand the sport, they were supporting us by trying to find a suitable court. We then started under the national team coach from able-bodied volleyball.”
Mukobwankawe takes pride in how far the sport has come in Rwanda.
“This is the third time we have joined the Paralympics, and now everyone back home knows about sitting volleyball, that a person with disability can live, can contribute to Rwandan society by way of sports.”
She is also keenly aware of the broader changes in attitudes toward disability in Rwanda. “Perhaps 30 years ago, people think that if one has a disability, that person can’t do anything: can’t go to school, can’t have access to services, can’t play. Now they understand. And they anticipate that every four years, there is a chance to play at the Paralympics.”
At the domestic level, sitting volleyball has grown significantly, with widespread participation throughout the year. “We have an active participation of club teams in Rwanda playing almost all year round.”
Mukobwankawe emphasised how much the sport has changed her life and the lives of her teammates.
“When we are in the national team programme, they take care of everything like travel, training camps. They pay us. That’s why our lives are totally different.”
For Mukobwankawe, sitting volleyball has become a way of life. “I cannot imagine how I can live without sitting volleyball. Even the other players, because for now, the sport is so famous. Everyone knows about us and our families. This is the impact of the sport.”
Sharing her experience at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, “It’s been a great experience here in Paris. When we arrived here, and it is my first time, Paris is such a good city. In the Paralympic Village, every preparation and detail of organisation has been very good. The Opening Ceremony was so nice for everyone. Everything is accurate in details for the athletes. They prepared well.”
Mukobwankawe was especially taken by the atmosphere in the stadium. “Even the court and the presentation and protocol. I like it so much. Even the fans, it’s wonderful to see fans like this in the stadium. The ambience is so fantastic! It’s almost like I don’t want to leave Paris!”
Despite her love for Paris, Mukobwankawe is already looking ahead to the next chapter in her journey. “Now we start our quest for LA28. Paris was our starting point. We have a long way, but we want to go to Los Angeles.”
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.