Rwanda Hosts Historic FIA Occasions: General Assembly and Awards Ceremony
Rwanda made motorsport historical past this week because it hosted two landmark FIA occasions: the annual FIA General Assembly and the FIA Awards Ceremony, each attended by President Paul Kagame and world leaders in motorsport.
Thursday, December 12: FIA General Assembly
The Kigali Convention Centre welcomed delegates for the opening of the FIA General Assembly on Thursday. Composed of vehicle and touring golf equipment and nationwide sporting authorities representing 245 member organizations, the meeting is among the most essential decision-making boards on this planet of motorsport and mobility.
President Kagame delivered remarks through the opening session, chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In his tackle, Kagame emphasised the significance of collaboration, innovation, and the potential of motorsport to unite individuals throughout the globe. “In a world where various forces push us apart, sports must bring us together. Respect and inclusion are the keys to creating opportunities for all,” he mentioned.
This was the primary time the FIA General Assembly convened in Africa, marking a major milestone within the group’s 120-year historical past. Discussions through the meeting targeted on the way forward for motorsport, sustainability, and initiatives to advertise safer and extra inclusive driving environments worldwide.
Friday, December 13: FIA Awards Ceremony
On Friday night, the main target shifted to celebration on the BK Arena because the FIA Awards Ceremony and Dinner honored the champions of motorsport. This yr’s occasion, hosted in partnership with Visit Rwanda and the Rwanda Automobile Club, marked the primary time the celebrated awards have been held in Africa.
President Kagame joined FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and motorsport leaders to rejoice achievements throughout numerous FIA championships. The occasion highlighted the success of high drivers, producers, and groups, together with:
•Max Verstappen, who claimed his fourth Formula One Drivers’ Championship.
•McLaren, which ended a 26-year title drought by clinching the Formula One Constructors’ Championship.
•Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, who earned Belgium’s first World Rally Championship titles.
•Toyota GAZOO Racing, which continued its dominance in endurance and rally raid competitions.
The night additionally showcased Rwanda’s personal contributions to motorsport, together with the revealing of the primary FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa, constructed by Rwandan polytechnic college students in partnership with the FIA and the Rwanda Automobile Club. Queen Kalimpinya, Rwanda’s first feminine rally driver, shared her inspiring journey, stating, “We are not only present, but we are also competing.”
President Kagame used the event to announce Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, bringing the game’s most prestigious race again to Africa after three many years. “We believe in what we can do, especially with friends and partners, and building on what we already have,” he mentioned.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda for its rising position in motorsport and its imaginative and prescient for the longer term. “To stand here in Rwanda is to witness a nation uniting bold vision with practical action,” he remarked.
Both occasions confirmed Rwanda’s dedication to innovation, inclusion, and sports activities tourism. With partnerships in world sports activities and an growing position in internet hosting world-class occasions, Rwanda is solidifying its place as a hub for cultural and athletic excellence.
As the celebs of motorsport and world leaders departed Kigali, they left behind a renewed imaginative and prescient for Africa’s position in the way forward for motorsport, pushed by Rwanda’s willpower to steer with goal and progress.
