APR Men Volleyball Club (APR VC) and Police Women Volleyball Club secured victories in the fiercely contested 2023 Taxpayers Appreciation Tournament, organized by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) as part of Taxpayers' Appreciation Month celebrations.

Themed 'Request For EBM Receipt to Build Rwanda,' the tournament showcased exceptional sportsmanship and talent.

In a thrilling showdown, APR VC clinched victory in a five-set match against the formidable Kepler VC. The intensity of the encounter saw APR VC securing the first set with a score of 36-34, while Kepler VC responded strongly by winning the second set at 25-16 and the third at 25-21. 

APR VC secured the fourth set with a score of 25-23, ultimately triumphing in the decisive fifth set with a scoreline of 15-13.

APR VC advanced to the final by overcoming Police Volleyball in the semifinals with a 3-1 set victory, while Kepler VC earned their spot by defeating East African University of Rwanda in three straight sets. Police VC claimed the third-place position in the competition.

In the women's category, Police WVC emerged as the champions by defeating RRA WVC in a hard-fought match with a score of 3-1 sets. This victory earned the Rwanda National Police team a prize of Frw 2 million.

Police earned their place in the final by triumphing over APR in a closely contested match with a scoreline of 3-2 sets, while RRA WVC secured their spot by convincingly defeating Ruhango WVC in three straight sets. APR WVC secured the third-place position.

The triumphant teams were awarded trophies and monetary prizes, with the winners receiving a Frw 2 million cheque, the first runner-up earning Frw 1.5 million, and the third-place team receiving Frw 1 million.

Individual excellence was also acknowledged, with awards given to outstanding players in various positions such as server, receiver, setter, attacker, blocker, and libero, each receiving Frw 60,000.

The Most Valuable Players of the competition, Gatsinzi Venuste of APR VC in the men's category and Aine Mbabazi Catherine of Police Women Volleyball Club in the women's category, were honored with Frw 100,000 each.

Jean-Paulin Uwitonze, RRA’s Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, extended congratulations to the winners and commended all players for showcasing a high level of competition. He expressed RRA's satisfaction with the tournament's organization and the enthusiastic turnout of fans.

"We urge the sports community to consistently request an EBM receipt for every purchase, and verify the documented amount against the actual transaction. By actively seeking an EBM receipt, you directly contribute to the advancement of Rwanda’s sports development and the overall progress of the nation," he emphasized.

As the activities for Taxpayers' Appreciation Month continue, the Grand Event is eagerly anticipated, following provincial celebrations. 

"We are currently exploring ways to express our appreciation to outstanding taxpayers in a distinctive manner by offering them tax incentives. While these incentives will initially target outstanding taxpayers, our aspiration is that they will eventually extend to a broader spectrum of compliant taxpayers," added Uwitonze.

Taxpayers Appreciation Month is an annual activity established by the government as an opportunity to showcase achievements in terms of tax collection by rewarding the best contributors and appreciating the role of the private sector and other institutions.