Kagame pledges support to cycling team

President Paul Kagame has vowed to provide full support to the national cycling team following their recent success at the Tour du Rwanda where Valens Ndayisenga became the first Rwandan to win the annual UCI event. Speaking at a cocktail he hosted for the team at Serena Hotel, and attended by ministers, diplomats, federation heads, Olympians and Paralympians, Kagame said, “The reason I am interested in supporting the national cycling team is because you have earned it.” Sports Minister Joseph Habineza delivering his keynote speech. (Village Urugwiro) Kagame acknowledged that cycling is proving to be one of the most successful sports in Rwanda and that the future is bright. “We will ensure that you are not lacking in anything that you need to perform better. We will avail the tools you need and leave the rest to you to realize your potentials.” Ferwacy President Bayingana with Team Rwanda head coach Jonathan Boyer listen as President Kagame gives his speech. (Village Urugwiro) He promised to support the Africa Rising Cycling Centre in Musanze where the team resides as well as provide bikes for the riders. Ugandas high commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero (C), chats with his Kenyan counterpart John Mwangemi (R) and RBA boss Arthur Asiimwe. (Village Urugwiro) “The triumph of the Karisimbi team is a reflection of the Rwandan spirit ‘umucyo’; sacrifice, teamwork, resilience and discipline. Discipline makes everything sustainable because without it, you cannot expect to keep winning. Instead, you keep experiencing decline.” Team Rwanda head of logistics and marketing Kimberly Coats was among those who attended the occasion. (Village Urugwiro) The Minister of Sports and Culture Joseph Habineza pointed out Kagame’s vision to invest in cycling. Team Rwanda riders sit as they wait for the President to arrive. (Village Urugwiro) He recounted, “His Excellency asked me why we are focusing on football? I told him we have other games like volleyball, basketball, athletics and he asked me why we do not focus on cycling. It is then that we decided to invest in cycling. It was his idea.” The Minister for Youth and ICT Jean-Philbert Nsengimana also attended the dinner. (Village Urugwiro) The national team head coach Jonathan Boyer attributed the success to a combination of hard work, commitment and patience as he also recognized the support from both local and international sponsors.

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Kagame pledges support to cycling team