Introduction
The SGI-Sports Academy Rise Up Summer Camp 2025 marked the 4th edition of our annual initiative, which continues to serve as a platform for sports development, talent growth, and community engagement.
This year, we proudly welcomed over 400 children, aged 4 to 17 years old, who participated in our three major disciplines: Football, Basketball, and Karate.
The primary purpose of this initiative is to:
- Provide children with structured and intensive training during the holiday period.
- Foster discipline, teamwork, and leadership through sports.
- Create opportunities for talent identification and development.
- Empower both boys and girls by encouraging inclusive participation in sports.
Basketball
In Basketball, we received 138 participants. Throughout the program, we witnessed remarkable growth in talent, confidence, and teamwork. Notably, girls’ participation in basketball increased significantly, showcasing the potential of female athletes in this discipline.
To enrich the experience, our teams engaged in several friendly matches with clubs such as APR, WABA, SWISH Basketball Academy and others, which gave the children exposure to competitive play and boosted their confidence on the court.
Alongside matches, daily training sessions focused on improving technical skills, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship. These efforts are paving the way for the next generation of basketball players in Rwanda.
Football
In Football, we hosted 102 young players. The children demonstrated impressive talent development, although we noticed that female participation in football remains limited compared to other sports.
To broaden their competitive exposure, we organized friendly matches with renowned academies such as Victory Football Academy, Yves Football Academy from Musanze, and other teams across various provinces. These encounters provided valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience. This wide engagement ensured our kids not only trained intensively but also gained experience against different playing styles and competition levels.
Karate
Karate was the largest discipline this year, with 167 participants. We are especially proud of the high level of girls’ participation, proving that Karate continues to attract and empower both boys and girls.
One of the highlights of the Summer Camp was the Samourai Annual Belt Grading Exam, where 101 children successfully passed and were promoted to higher levels of Karate belts. This achievement reflects the discipline, dedication, and commitment of both the children and their coaches.
Beyond grading, our Karate sessions also prepared some children for upcoming competitions, reinforcing the role of Karate as both a developmental and competitive sport within our academy.
Impact and Growth of the Initiative
The Rise Up Summer Camp has grown significantly over the years, becoming a recognized platform for talent development and youth empowerment.
- Diverse Participation: Many children who regularly train at SGI-Sports Academy joined, while others came specifically for the holidays, including those from boarding schools and the diaspora. This reflects the broad appeal and inclusivity of the program.
- Employment Opportunities: The camp is not only beneficial to children but also creates job opportunities for young coaches, including female coaches, due to the high demand for training. This provides valuable experience, income, and skill development. In total, 16 coaches were engaged during the camp. 5 in football, 6 in basketball, and 5 in karate. Their dedication and professionalism ensured that every child received quality guidance and mentorship throughout the program.
- Coaching Development: The camp also supports the growth of coaches. For example, before this year’s Summer Camp, three of our football coaches. Anelka, Livingston, and Pacifique successfully passed their CAF License D exams, supported by the Academy. This demonstrates our commitment to building capacity and professionalism in sports coaching.
Through these efforts, the Summer Camp serves as a platform for holistic development. nurturing children’s talents, empowering coaches, and creating opportunities for youth employment.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents and guardians for their unwavering trust and support. Your commitment inspires us to continue building a safe, professional, and impactful sports environment for every child.
Special thanks to our coaches for their dedication and to the children for their energy, discipline, and passion throughout the camp.