Adams made the remarks during the official inauguration of the 'Field of Dreams cycling facility, built in Rwanda's Eastern Province, Bugesera District.
The event was attended by Rwanda's Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, Israel's Ambassador to Rwanda Einat Weiss; Serge Gasore, founder of the Gasore Foundation; Richard Mutabazi, Mayor of Bugesera District, Shaul Haztir, CEO of Winner Rwanda, and other dignitaries.
The project was launched in February 2022 as part of the #RaceForChange initiative, an effort to advance cycling and promote positive social transformation.
The facility features two cycling tracks, a pump track and a race track, both designed to nurture cycling talent and improve the well-being of children in Bugesera and across East Africa, according to Gasore.
'I remember when we first planned this project this was just an empty field,' Gasore said. 'Now you can see exciting activities happening here, from basic skills development to talent growth. Today, we host around 500 children every weekend who come to ride for free.'
'We have children like Uwera Aline, who started riding here and, after just nine months, competed internationally. Alongside her regular studies, she is now skilled in coffee processing and is set to take a leading role in these programs,' he added.
Minister Mukazayire urged the children to make the most of the opportunity: 'You must not waste this chance. Sports infrastructure like this is one of our key pillars to promote sports and develop your talents,' she said.
Speaking at the event, Sylvan Adams explained that Rwanda's past shaped his commitment to investing in sports that bring people together.
'The history of Rwanda, especially the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, calls on everyone to contribute to the unity and reconciliation of its people. Sports are a powerful tool to help communities live together peacefully and thrive. This is something Rwanda and Israel have in common,' Adams said.
The investment, supported by Winner Rwanda, is valued at about $40 million. It includes a school offering education from nursery through the fourth year of secondary school, alongside specialized cycling training.
The center is equipped with a technology-driven cycling training hub, spectator facilities for live races, a bike garage, and administrative offices. The pump track is designed for mountain and BMX bikes, while the race track accommodates traditional road bikes.
In partnership with Bugesera District, the initiative also established the Bugesera Women's Cycling Team, affiliated with the Gasore Serge Foundation.
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