2026 Update from Rwanda | Social Cycling Project Rwanda (Instagram: @socialcyclingprojectrwanda)
It all started with a special idea and a few bikes that ICWW sent to Rwanda through Anna at the time. Three years ago, the project made a fresh start and is now called Social Cycling Project Rwanda, supported by ICWW. Today, artistic cycling has long since become an integral part of life for a group of children and young people in Kigali – if not even a part of their lives. Some of them have now been training for four years. “And you can see it,” marvels Stefanie, who was there for the first time this time.
Our shared goal is to build something sustainable together with Jonathan, the local coach, and the children: structures for artistic cycling, genuine support for the children, and the opportunity to develop both athletically and personally. The project team currently on site consists of Clemens and Stefanie, with Lea and Sonja supporting from the back office. And we want to give you a little preview: a lot has happened over the past few days. We are looking forward to sharing it with you.
Ten Days That Count
Clemens and Stefanie are still in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. They brought three artistic cycling bikes from ICWW, many tires, and three additional suitcases filled with donated items from the community – and above all, plenty of time for what really matters.
The focus is on training and preparing for upcoming competitions. Together with Jonathan, they looked at how the children can be supported more specifically and how the training structures can continue to grow.
The athletes’ programs were also adapted. Clemens and Stefanie took a close look: What is already being performed safely? What is realistic at the moment? What still requires intensive training? As a result, all programs now mainly consist of half turns, so that everything can be performed safely on changing and sometimes uneven surfaces. Small steps that fit – and that show the children: You are getting better. A little bit every day.
A Competition of Their Own – Real Competition Fever for the First Time
Sport thrives on challenges, motivation, and that one moment when you finally get to show what you can do.
That is why Clemens and Stefanie organized an internal competition for the children on Saturday. They perform their programs, experience a real competition atmosphere for the first time, and cheer each other on. And of course, there are prizes: a new club shirt, small gifts, and plenty of experience for everyone.
For many of the children, this is the first opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned under real conditions – and perhaps also the first time they experience that special nervous excitement that every athlete knows.
A Training Facility That Makes the Future Possible
A particularly major milestone is currently taking shape: the search for a suitable training facility.
Until now, the training location – a public parking lot or pedestrian zone – has been about an hour away, requiring a long walk every time. Talks are currently underway about a new location that would be only around 30 minutes away. The potential sports hall offers exactly what the project needs: a protected training area, toilets, good infrastructure – and, above all, a lockable room for the artistic cycling bikes.
What may sound like a small thing would make an enormous difference for the club: regular training, shorter journeys, and bikes that can safely remain on site. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the talks go well.
Ready for the New School Year
For us, the project does not end at the training facility.
The new school year in Rwanda starts in just two weeks. That is why Clemens and Stefanie are also using their time there to practically prepare the children for the start of school by providing them with new school supplies.
These are exactly the things that make a difference in everyday life. Because we want to make the children strong not only on the bike, but also give them a good start in life beyond the sport.
The Club Continues to Grow
Organizationally, things are also moving forward. The registration of the club with the Rwanda Cycling Federation has been further advanced. A personal meeting with the new president is still pending – he is now informed about the project and our support.
The Service Passport for the athlete Bertrand and the coach Jonathan is particularly close to our hearts at the moment. We want to enable the two of them to travel to the Indoor Cycling World Championships in England in October 2026 and stand on the floor together with athletes from all over the world. The process has resumed – now we hope that all steps can be completed in time and that the two will receive their visas. Just imagine: two men from Rwanda at a World Championship – as the first African nation.
The Families Remain a Priority
As Social Cycling Project Rwanda, the health of the children is also very important to us, especially since our sport is not entirely without risk, particularly under these special training conditions and the circumstances of everyday life there. Thanks to numerous private donations, we can ensure that the athletes and their families continue to have health insurance. A little bit of security – beyond the sport as well.
What Is Emerging in Rwanda
When we look at the project today, we are incredibly proud.
Artistic cycling has found its permanent place in Kigali. Children have been training for years. A club is developing. Coaches are building knowledge and experience. The programs are becoming more professional. The children are gaining their first competition experience. A better training facility is within reach. And perhaps two athletes from Rwanda will soon be standing on the floor at a World Championship.
These are major milestones. But behind every single one are people: the children, their families, the local coach, Clemens and Stefanie, ICWW – and everyone who supports this project with donations and equipment.
The Social Cycling Project Rwanda is now in its third year. We want to continue this journey – with the children, with the coaches, and with a vision that has long since grown beyond artistic cycling alone. We want to create structures, provide opportunities, and show what is possible when people believe in something together.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Indoor Cycling World Wide (ICWW)