RNOSC Launches New Athlete Development Program
The Rwanda National Olympic & Sports Committee announces a comprehensive new program to identify and develop grassroots athletic talent across all 30 districts.
The Rwanda National Olympic & Sports Committee (RNOSC) has unveiled an ambitious new athlete development initiative designed to transform grassroots sports across all 30 districts of the country.
The "Talent to Triumph" program, launched at a ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, will establish satellite training centers in every district, staffed by certified coaches and equipped with modern training equipment.
"For too long, talent has been concentrated in Kigali," said RNOSC Secretary General Felicite Rwemalika. "A child in Nyagatare or Rusizi deserves the same opportunity as one in the capital. This program changes that."
The program will operate in three tiers:
Tier 1 — School Scouts: Physical education teachers in all primary and secondary schools will receive specialized training to identify athletic potential in children aged 8-14.
Tier 2 — District Academies: Regional training hubs will provide structured coaching in athletics, cycling, swimming, basketball, and volleyball for athletes aged 14-18.
Tier 3 — National Pipeline: The top performers from district academies will advance to the national training center in Kigali, with full scholarships covering accommodation, nutrition, and education.
The program is backed by a $2.4 million grant from the Olympic Solidarity program and will run for an initial four-year cycle. Pilot programs in Musanze and Huye districts have already identified 340 promising young athletes.
International partners including the IAAF, UCI, and FIBA have committed to sending coaching delegations twice yearly to support the program.
Keep Reading
Explore more stories from Rwanda's Olympic journey