Rwandan young cyclists Pacifique Byusa and Liliane Uwiringiye stood out as winners of the youth cycling race held on the occasion of the International Olympic Day on Sunday, June 22 at the Field of Dreams, in Bugesera District. The Olympic Day, observed annually on June 23, was organized by the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNSO) in collaboration with the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) under the theme move, learn, discover, together for a better world. The day honours not only athletic excellence but also the broader ideals of human dignity, mutual respect, and peace. Rwandan basketball legend Aristide Mugabe who represents Rwandan athletes at the Olympic Committee, was among attendees who followed the cycling race which attracted the event which attracted featured over 150 young riders. He took the athletes through his basketball journey and urged them to apply what they learn in their daily sporting life. Being disciplined is one of the keys to success. What we're seeing on the ground indicates that the future of sport is in good hands, he said. ALSO READ: 180 youngsters compete in play-day race Byusa won the juniors race in the men’s category after covering 36 laps in 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 second. He overcame fierce competition from Jules Mugabo and Moise Ntirenganya who finished in second and third places respectively. Meanwhile, Uwiringiye beat Gisele Nishimwe and Grace Niyogisubizo to the finish line to win the juniors women race after racing the same laps in 1 hour 20 minutes and 44 seconds. Each lap at the Field of Dreams measures is covered on a 2km course. In the U11 category, Francoise Uwamahoro from Ndabaga Women Cycling Team dominated the girls' race, while Lucky Nisemusa Habumuremyi dominated boys with the race. The U13 girls' category saw Ogila Igiraneza take first place followed by Alliah Uwase while Makuza Kaliza Gwiza joined them to the podium in third place. Gentil Munyeza claimed the boys’ U13 race beating Francis Sano and Thadee Igiraneza who finished as first and second runners-up. In the U15 category, Cine Elmay’s Arsene Sibomana won the boys’ race while Liza Jehovaire won the girls’ competition as Gentil Iradukunda (boys) and Akeline Nyirirambe (girls) claimed the U17 races.
