Imagine world-class trainers coming alongside Rwandan athletes to help them quickly reach their potential, primarily in mountain and road bicycle racing , then support those talents to tell the world that Rwanda is a country on the move, is coming back, and has tremendous potential.

Gregg Bettis, President, Kids Across America Kamps & Foundation, attended the 2006 Wooden Bike Classic, hosted by Project Rwanda, at the request of his friend, Tom Ritchey. Gregg was tremendously impressed with the athletes, the enthusiasm, and the potential of the athletes.

An idea was formed for locating a KAA Sports Camp and Retreat/Conference Center in Risenge, Rwanda, on the beautiful shores of Lake Burera. Gregg brought the idea to his KAA board, who embraced the concept of Kids Across America partnering with Kanakuk International, who has authorized a comprehensive feasibility study and business plan be performed for the development of this Kids Across Africa sports complex. The hope is to break ground summer 2007, and use the site to host the 2007 Wooden Bike Classic in autumn, 2007.

The KAA  plan would launch an exciting new initiative in Africa, called “Kids Across Africa”, hosting 3 months of camps for children and their group leaders at the facility while schools are not in session and then to host a variety of  retreats and conferences throughout the other 9 months of the year.

Project Rwanda has committed to partnering with KAA during these other 9 months to use a portion of the facility for training Rwandan cycling athletes. This would be the first of its kind in Rwanda and possibly all of Africa.

The Project Rwanda plan is to bring world-class athletes, like Alex Stieda and Jonathan Boyer to serve as trainers and mentors through one-month stays, focusing on cycling.

Currently underway is an all out effort to train and enter two Rwandans in the 8 stage Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa in March, 2007 to help  begin showing  how Rwandan athletes can be trained and mentored via proven world-class winners.