Hundreds of Chinese in Rwanda participated in a three-day basketball event last weekend to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Mid-autumn Festival.
Held at the compound of the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor's office in Kigali, the games were opened and graced by the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Shen Yongxiang,
China's Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on 15th day of the 8th lunar month (in September or October), with this year's Mid-Autumn Day falls on September 27, 2015.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important traditional festival to Chinese people, during which most Chinese return home for family reunions.
Mid autumn is a time for harvesting, and Chinese people believe the full moon is a symbol of peace and prosperity. With the moon being the brightest and fullest of the year, the Day is also known as "Day of Reunion" and "Moon Festival".
Zhu Xinghui, the General Manager of China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Central-East Africa Regional Company, says the day remains significant to Chinese People as a family gathering event.
"We celebrated by holding basketball games in which six teams from different Chinese societies and companies in Rwanda participated.On this occasion, we met many new faces and young people, they are warm-hearted, positive and full of passion and vitality. Wish everyone a bright future," Xinghui said.
Jointly organized by Chinese Embassy and Association of Chinese Enterprises in Rwanda, around 200 Chinese people, including 60 players took part in the activities.
The basketball team of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation emerged the champion.
"Today is a day for blessing each other, and it shows we are united as a team. We will eat the Moon Cake and share with friends and family members the joy and happiness in the coming festival," said Xinghui.