Fresh from our UEFA Women's Champions League win, Katie McCabe, Caitlin Foord, and Laia Codina travelled to Rwanda to explore the culture and wildlife conservation efforts taking place across the country.
While Katie and Caitlin previously visited Rwanda in 2023 – including a memorable trek through Volcanoes National Park to see the protected mountain gorillas – this was Laia’s first visit to the country, and her first experience on safari.
Upon arrival in Kigali, the players visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid their respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. A wreath was laid on behalf of the club, and a moment of silence observed in honour of the lives lost.
The trip centred on Rwanda’s pioneering conservation work. At Akagera National Park, our teammates were taken through the country’s long-term efforts in conservation and the preservation of wildlife. Guided by park rangers, they witnessed the extraordinary biodiversity of the park – spotting elephants, buffalos, hippos, lions, leopards and more – and learned about their work to protect endangered species.
A key part of the conservation programme is the rehoming of white rhinos. In 2021, 30 white rhinos were introduced to Akagera. This year, 70 more were welcomed as part of a wider mission to rewild over 2,000 rhinos in secure, well-managed habitats.
The players were deeply moved by the country’s natural beauty and the commitment shown to protecting it, whilst Katie and Caitlin noted Rwanda’s continued progress and development since their last visit. Through our visit, we once more reinforced our shared commitment to sustainability, education, and environmental protection.
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