Editor,

Refer to the letter, "Should cycling be turned into Rwanda’s main sport?” (The New Times, June 24).

I enjoy reading Mwene Kalinda’s comments, but on this one, he is wrong. Ills permeate every sphere of society but that doesn’t mean that one should not venture in competitive cycling.

There are always cheating cases in education system; should this mean one should not learn? Where there is a challenge, it’s always an opportunity. Can you imagine the potential of our clean Rwandan boys in international cycling events?

Cycling talent agencies will be flocking to Rwanda to scout for young talent, much like marathon scouts flock Kenya looking for the next big marathoner. The Kenyans have made so much money from marathons.

Just this month, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Transformers movie director will be producing a movie on Rwandan cycling. Certainly you can expect the usual Hollywood self-glorification but, nonetheless for once Rwanda brand will be showcased on a wider scale on noble qualities of tenacity, resilience and not the ‘Hotel Rwanda’ hogwash.

The benefits clearly outweigh the cons. I think this is a golden opportunity for the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Prime Minister’s Office and sports bodies to seriously look into this.

Kigali Girl