Rutana, Burundi – June 15, 2025

In a vibrant and well-attended ceremony on June 15, 2025, Global Relief Services (GRS) officially handed over a newly rehabilitated basketball and volleyball court to the local community in Gitaba Zone, Rutana Commune. The initiative is part of GRS’s broader commitment to empowering communities through education, sports, and youth engagement.

The event began with a warm welcome from the Chief of Gitaba Zone, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to GRS for its support:

“We are honored to host this event and welcome our friends from GRS and the entire community,” he said. “This rehabilitated sports ground will serve as a symbol of unity, youth empowerment, and healthy living. We sincerely thank GRS for this wonderful contribution.”

As part of the ceremony, a friendly volleyball match was organized between the youth teams of Kivoga Zone and Ngoma Zone to demonstrate the usefulness of the newly restored facility. The spirited match showcased local talent and the enthusiasm of the youth, with Kivoga Zone emerging as the winner.

The occasion was further graced by a British partner of GRS, who applauded the work done to support the community and stressed the importance of compassion and unity:

“Supporting one another and showing love is a way of honoring God,” she remarked. “Empowering young people through sports and community engagement creates long-lasting impact.”

Following the match, a reception was held to celebrate the event. During the gathering, the “Man of the Match” was recognized and awarded a special gift in appreciation of his outstanding performance.

The handover of the rehabilitated sports court stands as a testament to GRS’s dedication to building stronger, healthier communities. By investing in recreational infrastructure, GRS not only promotes physical activity and youth development but also fosters community cohesion and pride.