June 26, 2024, The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the termination of its partnership with EasyGroup EXP, the organizers of the Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC 2024).
This decision marks a significant shift in Rwanda’s involvement with international sporting events.
In a statement released by RDB, the board explained that the decision was made after careful consideration and mutual agreement, emphasizing that it signifies a substantial change in the country’s strategy towards such events.
Consequently, the World Veteran Clubs Championship, which was scheduled to take place in Kigali in September 2024, has been cancelled. Furthermore, the “Visit Rwanda” brand will no longer engage in any marketing or branding activities related to the event.
However, EasyGroup EXP has issued a contrasting press release expressing regret over the RDB’s decision.
According to EasyGroup EXP, the termination notice from RDB, dated June 18, 2024, cited provisions of their binding contract but did not mention any breach by EasyGroup EXP nor provide any justification for the termination.
EasyGroup EXP underscored that this decision was unilateral and lacked mutual agreement as suggested by RDB.
Jesse C. Happy Ndongo, Managing Director of EasyGroup EXP, and Fred Siewe, VCWC Founder & Chairperson, reassured other partners, sponsors, and the public that the RDB’s decision does not imply the cancellation of the VCWC 2024 event.
They affirmed that the event would proceed as planned and that updates regarding the new context of the VCWC 2024 organization would be provided in due course.
EasyGroup EXP remains committed to delivering a successful event and intends to continue engaging with its stakeholders and the international community to ensure the VCWC 2024 takes place in Kigali as originally planned.