据法新社援引的消息，卢旺达有望成为30多年来首个举办一级方程式大奖赛的非洲国家，并击败竞争对手南非获得这一殊荣。
Rwanda looks set to host the continent’s first F1 Grand Prix race in more than 30 years, beating rival South Africa to the honor, according to sources quoted by AFP.
两年前，保罗·卡加梅总统发起申办计划，希望通过体育事业提升卢旺达的国际形象。为此，该国不仅成功举办了世界公路自行车锦标赛，还赞助了多家知名的欧洲足球俱乐部。政府称，这一战略有效促进了入境旅游的发展。
President Paul Kagame launched a bid to host two years ago as part of efforts to raise Rwanda’s international status through sport, which has included welcoming the road cycling world championships and sponsoring high-profile European football teams. The government said the strategy has boosted inbound tourism.
不过，人权组织指责卢旺达利用体育活动来粉饰形象，以掩盖其压制批评声音的恶劣行径，包括杀人和人员失踪等指控，对此卢旺达政府均予以否认。南非体育部长似乎也证实了该国未能获得举办权的消息，他在社交媒体上写道：“我们为卢旺达感到高兴”，并暗示比赛预计将于2030年举行。目前，他仍在积极争取让非洲举办第二场一级方程式赛事。——达米安·赞恩
Rights groups have, however, accused the country of sportswashing to cover up its reputation for silencing critics, including accusations of killings and disappearances, allegations the government denies. South Africa’s sports minister appeared to confirm reports that his country had lost out, saying on social media “we are happy for Rwanda” and suggesting the race would take place in 2030. He is, however, now lobbying for a second F1 race to go to Africa. — Damian Zane