The Ministry of Sports hosted the National Talent Week from in Huye and Gisagara Districts over the weekend, looking to give some 500 young athletes a platform to showcase their talent from their respective disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, handball, athletics, and cycling

The four-day event, held under the theme "Sports Talent as the Foundation for the Future Generation,” was organised to strengthen grassroots sports and provide opportunities for young talents to shine, building on the strides made the Isonga program for the past two years now.

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Through Isonga programme, the government seeks to reinforce its role in identifying young talents, by ensuring inclusion and equality of both boys and girls, and help them participate in big sports events in the near future, with Dar 2026 Games being the top target athletes from the first cohort.

But is Isonga making an impact?

Richard Habinshuti, a volleyball coach at Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis de Butare, highlighted the significance and the impact Isonga Programme continues to have on talent discovery and development.

"Through Isonga, we have identified exceptional players like 16-year-old Tarbez Cyusa, who has already represented the national team in youth championships in Tunisia,” Habinshuti told Times Sport.

He emphasized that the programme provides young athletes with a platform to shape their careers in their favourite sports while its impact was extended to empowering the coaching community to which he belongs.

"We get to exchange tactics and insights, which helps us grow as coaches and enriches the training environment for these young athletes. It opens their minds to new opportunities and teaches them that sports can be a viable career,” he said.

However, he said, challenges remain. For instance, the number of young athletes involved in the programme is still low where only 17 schools from across the country participated in the National Talent Week.

"It shows that there is more room for expansion,” he pointed out.

The National Talent Week extends Isonga program’s commitment to fostering young athletes.

Nicole Urwibutso, who served both as a coach at Notre Dame de la Providence (NDP) Karubanda and a basketball player with IPRC Huye, observes that early exposure to sports lays the foundation for strong future teams.

"This program ensures that young players, especially girls, receive physical fitness training and the necessary support to overcome challenges faced in past competitions,” Urwibutso, who has seen firsthand the growth in young athletes, said.

"It’s a chance for them to learn from one another and aspire to represent their country.”

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The talent week event also aligns with MINISPORTS’ 10-year Sports Development Policy (2020–2030), which aims to build structured growth paths from junior to senior levels.

Notable participants at the National Talent Week include teams from Isonga programme as well as PSG Academy Rwanda and Bayern Munich Academy Rwanda.

. According to Achille Kamali, Technical Director of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), cycling is particularly benefiting from this initiative.

"Previously, young cyclists had limited exposure, with only youth races for club members. Now, through Isonga, students in schools are also given opportunities,” he said.

Kamali highlighted that, although there are gaps in youth representation in cycling, the progress is promising.

"For instance, we recently saw a young female cyclist stand out and win a race today. That demonstrates the potential of these programs,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the impact of the program is evident. Kamali emphasized that, beyond the technical growth, Isonga program has changed parents&039; perceptions.

"It was once difficult to convince parents to support a sport like cycling due to the costs involved, but now, with the ministry's support, more parents see the value in investing in their children’s careers.”

Standout performers in each discipline were recognized with trophies, scholarships, and sports equipment, confirming government’s commitment to inspiring a dedicated youth sports community.