President Kagame and Infantino attend FIFA Football Clinic/Festival in Kigali (photos)

The festival gathered 220 children, including 120 boys and 100 girls, from 11 academies, six boys’ and five girls’. Participants were aged 11, 13, and 15, and each received footballs and other equipment, with 5,000 balls planned for distribution nationwide.

President Kagame praised Infantino for spending Christmas in Rwanda with the children.

“Imagine, Christmas is usually with your family, yet they chose to be here, sharing it with you in the spirit of football. Thank you, Gianni,” he said.

Infantino commended Kagame for developing sports infrastructure, including Stade Amahoro, which supports young talents. He announced the donation of 1,000 footballs and plans to build additional FIFA Arenas in schools across Rwanda. He told the children that a football is more than a ball, it is a symbol of hope.

“When you give it to someone, it brings joy. It changes every child’s life," he revealed.

President Kagame also highlighted how football can unite people and promote peace. He said the game brings different nations together, even when they disagree, and described Stade Amahoro as a place to share peace and happiness through football.

The FIFA Football Clinic/Festival is a global initiative designed to introduce children to football, promote enjoyment, and encourage social interaction. In Kigali, it offered young players the chance to practice, learn, and engage with peers in a fun environment.

Some pictures of event: