STORY: DR Congo hosts subregional karate tournament to promote peace
DATELINE: July 23, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:11
LOCATION: GOMA, DR Congo
CATEGORY: SPORTS
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the karate tournament in Goma, DR Congo
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): JEAN NAISHIMWE, Burundian athlete
3. various of training scene
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Swahili): JEAN MSHONGOLO, Athlete from Tanzania
5. various of audience
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): JEANNE THIOMBA, DRC athlete
 
STORYLINE:
 
The city of Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), hosted the third edition of the African Great Lake region karate tournament on Friday. This event gathered athletes from six countries in the sub-region, aiming to promote peace between neighboring countries.
 
The athletes were from six African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, Angola, Burundi and the DRC. 
Jean Naishimwe, an athlete from Burundi, said that he was delighted to participate in this competition given its importance in strengthening friendship between the young people of these countries. 
SOUNDBITE 1 (French): JEAN NAISHIMWE, Burundian athlete"It helped us to strengthen friendships with other young people and during this third edition, we forged bonds of friendship with Congolese and Ugandan athletes... we became friends." 
Many athletes were happy to participate in this tournament, because they believe that sport can be used as a tool par excellence to preach living together in the sub-region where conflicts between communities have made enormous damage.  
SOUNDBITE 2 (Swahili): JEAN MSHONGOLO, Athlete from Tanzania
"It's a very good thing. This competition has created very good relations. When we meet we weave very good relations, there is a connection that is created." 
This tournament was also very important to the athletes, who learned skills from others, something that will help improve themselves. 
SOUNDBITE 3  (French): JEANNE THIOMBA, DRC athlete
"It's a very good thing because we had to measure ourselves against other athletes from different countries, it helps us to improve and know our flaws, whether we are progressing or not." 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Goma, DR Congo. 
(XHTV)