Rwanda's sitting volleyball captain Vuningabo reflects on a trailblazing career

Emile Cadet Vuningabo believes there is always a perfect time for everything. After more than 15 years of playing sitting volleyball, the Rwandan athlete says he is ready to close the curtain on a career in the sport that has taken him around the world to compete on the biggest stages.

The captain of the men’s national team says the upcoming World Championships in Hangzhou, China, will likely be his final tournament representing his country.

“I’m so happy and looking forward to competing,” he said. “It’s exciting to compete, because the World Championships means a lot. It means you are among the few countries that have been able to qualify.

“It means a lot for me, to represent my country, at my fourth World Championships. It’s a good experience and I’m so happy to play with the new players we brought in to the national team so I can share my time, my moment together before I retire.”

Historic firsts

Vuningabo, whose left leg is affected by polio he contracted at the age of four, began playing sitting volleyball in 2009 while he was a university student.

Now 39 years old, he says the sport has opened many doors. He recalls the first time he travelled by plane in 2010, heading to Oklahoma, USA, to compete at his first World Championship.

“That was my first competition, and that was my first time to fly. It was a long distance from Rwanda to Oklahoma. My first ever time flying was going to the World Championships to play sitting volleyball.

“Even my whole family, even all my classmates at university were like ‘What? You are flying for the national team?’ I was so happy and really committed, saying ‘I have to stay because imagine it, after one year, you were able to be at the World Championships. If I stay for five years, maybe I’ll be at the Paralympics.’”

It did not take five years for Vuningabo and his team to reach the Paralympics. He captained Rwanda at London 2012, marking the country’s first appearance in sitting volleyball at the Paralympic Games. It was also the first time a team from Sub-Saharan Africa competed in a Paralympic sitting volleyball tournament.

“It was impressive, interesting and emotional,” he said with a smile. 

While Rwanda finished without a win, what he remembers most is how many people approached him to learn about their journey. He was asked how a small African nation qualified for the biggest stage.

“I said, ‘Yes, we did because we were very committed,’” he said. “It was a moment of showing that persons with disabilities in the country, Rwanda, are able. They have ability, we have the ability to compete, we have the ability to represent our country as other people without disability.” 

Creating a legacy

Although the men’s team has not returned to the Paralympic Games since London 2012, Vuningabo says they have “continued to compete to see if we can bring sitting volleyball in a better image.”

Their impact has been felt, particularly in inspiring Rwanda’s women’s team, which has since competed at three Paralympic Games.

“The women’s team, because they saw what we did in London, how committed we were at that time, also pushed them. For the first time, they qualified to go to Rio for the Paralympic Games.”

He adds that the success of sitting volleyball has contributed to broader development in Para sport across Rwanda. More athletes are now competing in sports such as Para powerlifting, goalball and boccia, while accessibility and infrastructure have improved.

“We have our own gymnasium, which is accessible. We are able to use a big arena, which is accessible. We used to play outside, but now we are playing indoors,” he said.

Vuningabo had long hoped to retire after competing at another Paralympic Games, but he has found new motivation in contributing beyond his role as an athlete.

He said, “2028 is just too far for me. But I still can be a role model for young players.”

He now aims to begin a new chapter as a role model, coach and mentor, supporting young athletes as they prepare for life beyond sport, including offering career guidance and financial advice.

“My journey was really perfect, I was seen as ‘Emile is not having a disability, he is able’,” he said.

Vuningabo was also part of the first cohort of the International Paralympic Committee’s leadership programme called the Para Athlete Professionals, designed to support athletes transitioning from high-performance sport into post-competition life.

“I was so happy to be in the Para Athlete Professionals programme,” he said. “My key takeaway was about understanding myself and my identity as a Paralympian, but also thinking about my transition – how am I going to use sport as a tool to bring social impact in the community I live?”

He wants to help create a platform where active athletes can connect with retired athletes across the country to receive support and guidance as they prepare for life after sport.

With the knowledge and skills he has gained, he feels ready for whatever comes next. But first, he is focused on the World Championship.

The tournament takes place from 10-17 July 2026 in Hangzhou, China, and will feature 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams.

Vuningabo hopes fans will watch them play.

“You are most welcome to watch our beautiful game, sitting volleyball. You will see the potential and potential of athletes with disabilities. We have a way to show you that we are able.

“It’s going to be fun, enjoy the game. Come and sit with us on the court.”

Please visit the World ParaVolley website for more information about the World Championships

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