COMMUNITIES throughout East Lothian have embraced a group of Rwandan athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Twelve athletes, as well as coaching staff and personnel, were based in the county earlier this month.

Training sessions and cultural events saw the group visit Meadowmill, Dunbar, Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent.

Among the events was a civic reception at Haddington Town House, which was attended by Provost Ludovic Broun-Lindsay.

The Haddington and Lammermuir councillor said: “The Commonwealth Games is known as the Friendly Games, as competing athletes and nations fully embrace the true spirit of sporting competition.

“East Lothian has truly extended the hand of friendship to Rwanda with this visit and a number of individuals, groups and organisations have been extremely supportive.” Rwanda is one of East Lothian’s ‘second teams’ – an initiative promoted by sportscotland to pair all Scottish local authorities with other nations and territories taking part in the games.

As well as Rwanda, East Lothian is matched with Samoa and Guernsey.

The weekend-long celebrations started with a training session at Meadowmill before a reception at Dunbar’s Bleachingfield Centre.

Dunbar Community Kitchen laid on a three-course meal featuring delicious food from both Scotland and Rwanda.

Guests were piped into the reception by Katie Holton, while Struan Young played traditional Scottish accordion music while dinner was served.

Scottish specialities including Cullen skink were dished up, alongside Rwandan chicken stew pies.

Following the meal, a drumming band had everyone on their feet to learn a few African dance moves.

Eleanor Coner, chairwoman of DCK, said: “We are delighted that so many local people came out to welcome the Rwandan team – a great night was had by all.

“Our thanks go out to the staff and the many volunteers who worked hard to make this a memorable night for Dunbar.” The Rwandan High Commissioner sent a gift of a rowan tree to mark the event and the team’s stay in East Lothian.

The tree was planted last Friday evening, while an exhibition of Rwandan art will also be on display until the end of the month.

Funding was also received from the BIG Lottery Celebrate Fund to ensure the event was a great success.

Kilvert Croft, from The Rwanda Scotland Alliance and the Dunbar Kibungo Partnership Group, was delighted with the turnout.

He said: “We were proud that Dunbar gave such a warm welcome to the Rwandan team.

“The evening really helped to focus attention on Rwanda and we raised funds to help us deliver our education project in Kibungo, in eastern Rwanda.” Athletes also trained at the Mercat Gait, in Prestonpans, and Bronx Boxing Gym, Tranent.

There was also a fun trip to Foxlake, near Dunbar, for the athletes.

Mr Croft added: “East Lothian Council were magnificent, they really pulled out all the stops.

“Eamon John was in charge and did a fantastic job, as well as Ed Hendrickson from ELC and Kirsty Harper, from Rwanda Scotland Alliance.

“The Rwandan team were blown away by the hospitality and kindness of the facilities they were offered – it was a brilliant weekend.

“Foxlake were so generous, they deserve a mention, but the whole weekend from Thursday to Monday was wonderful.”