Bugesera, Rwanda – June 22, 2025
Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating Olympic Day 2025 with a special edition of the Youth Racing Cup at the Field of Dreams, hosted in partnership with Rwanda Cycling Federation and Gasore Serge Foundation. The event brought together 154 young cyclists, their parents, and notable figures in the sporting scene, highlighting the values of sport, and a sense of community. 
Young athletes competed in five age-based categories:
Pupilles (U11): 23 cyclists
Benjamins/Benjamines (U13): 24 cyclists
Minimes (U15): 35 cyclists
Cadets/Cadettes (U17): 31 young cyclists
Juniors (U19): 42 young cyclists
Each category comprised of male and female subcategories. Here’s a full rundown of the podium finishers:
Pupilles (U11)
Male:
🥇 Lucky Nisemusa Habumuremyi
🥈 Heritier Gabirwa
🥉 Mahirwe Shami Derrick
Female:
🥇 Uwamahoro Francoise
🥈 Karambizi Ganza Akilla
🥉 Uwase Denyse
Benjamins/Benjamines (U13)
Male:
🥇 Munyeza Gentil
🥈 Sano Francis
🥉 Igiraneza Thadee
Female:
🥇 Ogila Igiraneza
🥈 Alliah Uwase
🥉 Makuza Kaliza Gwiza
Minimes (U15)
Male:
🥇 Sibomana Arsene (Cine Elmay)
🥈 Byiringiro Bubarak (ZIP Cycling)
🥉 Sano Ishimwe Prince
Female:
🥇 Liza Jehovaire
🥈 Joy Cynthia Mwamikazi (Benediction)
🥉 Emeline Ishimwe
Cadets/Cadettes (U17)
Male:
🥇 Iradukunda Gentil (Cine Elmay)
🥈 Shema Emmanuel
🥉 Intwali Reponse
Female:
🥇 Nyiribambe Akeline
🥈 Irasetsa Amina (LWD)
🥉 Ingabire Divine
Juniors (U19)
Male:
🥇 Byusa Pacifique
🥈 Jules Mugabo
🥉 Moise Ntirenganya
Female:
🥇 Liliane Uwiringiye
🥈 Nishimwe Gisele
🥉 Grace Niyogisubizo
After the 5 categories’ showdown, an inclusive “cycling for all” lap occurred, bringing together parents, administrators and coaches for an enjoyable race that also provided them with more perspective on the field experience from the athletes.
During the closing ceremony, FERWACY President Ndayishimiye Samson, who had earlier tried the track himself, commended the riders for their outstanding performance and expressed his appreciation to all partners and supporters.
“These young athletes deserve the utmost respect; they’re not just competing, they’re shaping the future of our racing sport,” he said. “I know from experience that the top three places symbolize excellence, but everyone who showed up today should be proud.”
NOC Rwanda President Alice Umulinga acknowledged the day’s historical and symbolic weight. “We celebrate Olympic Day every June 23rd, a tradition since 1948, but today we also celebrate the unity and discipline these young cyclists have shown,” she said. “This performance gives us confidence for upcoming competitions in Dakar and Los Angeles. Let’s continue to support the national team just as strongly.”
Representing the Ministry of Sports, Florent Habyarimana, PE and Sports Development specialist, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping Rwanda’s sporting future. “This is the beginning of the success of Rwandan sports including winning medals. The Ministry of Sports is with you, and we will support you to achieve more,” he said. “To the youth: yearn for winning. To the parents: Help us take care of your children. Together, we will all build a generation that represents Rwanda with pride.”
