Israeli investor Sylvan Adams said Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, inspired him to support the construction of cycling facilities in Bugesera known as the “Field of Dreams.”
Adams spoke Thursday at the official inauguration of the project in Eastern Province, attended by Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire, Israel’s ambassador to Rwanda Einat Weiss, Gasore Foundation director Serge Gasore, Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi, Winner Rwanda CEO Shaul Haztir and other officials.
The project, launched in February 2022, is part of the #RaceForChange initiative, which promotes cycling while supporting community development.
It includes two cycling tracks — a pump track for mountain bikes and a race track for road bikes — aimed at nurturing talent and improving the well-being of children in Rwanda and across East Africa.
“I remember when this was just an empty field,” Gasore said. “Today, we host around 500 children every weekend free of charge. We already have success stories like Uwera Aline, who began training here and within nine months was competing abroad while excelling in her studies.”
Mukazayire urged children to seize the opportunity. “These facilities are pillars of our sports development strategy,” she said. “You should use them to develop your talents.”
Adams said Rwanda’s painful history motivated him to invest. “The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi calls on everyone to contribute to unity and reconciliation,” he said. “Sports can bring people together and improve lives. This is something Rwanda and Israel have in common.”
The $40 million investment, backed by Winner Rwanda, also includes a school offering classes from kindergarten through senior four, cycling training programs, an indoor cycling facility, a spectator area, a bicycle garage and offices.
In partnership with Bugesera District, the project has also created the Bugesera Women’s Cycling Team under the Gasore Serge Foundation.
