Inclusive Cycling International Rolls Hope into Zimbabwe’s Para-Sport
THE Wheelchair and Hand Cycling Association of Zimbabwe (WHRAZ) celebrated the culmination of a rigorous five-year international effort last week, accepting a fleet of six handcycles from Inclusive Cycling International (ICI) to close out an intense four-day program of technical exchange and advocacy running from Wednesday through Saturday.
The donation, sourced and delivered by the United States-based ICI, represents a major boost for para-sport in Zimbabwe. The equipment was accompanied personally by ICI leader Greg Milano and volunteer Dave Gremaux, who camped at the Danhiko Rehabilitation Centre in Msasa to ensure a complete transfer of skills alongside the hardware.
The initiative was driven by WHRAZ Vice Chairman Technical, Wilson Nyakoko, who originally conceived the project more than five years ago. His vision faced significant headwinds, including complex logistical hurdles and prolonged customs clearance processes that threatened to stall the donation.
“The whole project from start to finish took more than five years, and there were moments when the hurdles seemed endless,” Nyakoko admitted.
“But eventually, the goods were allowed into the country. Seeing the cycles here now makes every day of that wait worth it. We fought for this because we knew it would change lives.”
The engagement at Danhiko followed a structured, hands-on schedule designed to build local capacity. The program kicked off on Wednesday and Thursday with a focus on engineering. Milano and Gremaux worked tirelessly to assemble the six new handcycles. They also dedicated these first two days to repairing the association’s older fleet, ensuring that existing athletes could return to the road on safe, refurbished equipment.
On Friday, the focus shifted from mechanics to mentorship. The ICI team conducted training sessions to introduce young, aspiring athletes to the sport. This was accompanied by an in-class workshop designed to teach riders how to be “handcycle ambassadors” empowering them to advocate for the sport.
“We didn’t want to just ship containers and hope for the best; we wanted to be here to build capacity,” Milano said.
“By spending time repairing the old bikes and teaching the athletes how to maintain the new ones, we are ensuring sustainability. These athletes are now equipped with wheels and the knowledge to keep them rolling.”
The program concluded on Saturday with a high-profile handover ceremony. Dr Agrippa Sora, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), served as the Guest of Honour at the official handover ceremony of the hand cycles to six selected athletes.
Dr Sora emphasised the transformative power of the donation during his address.
“Sport is a powerful vehicle for integration,” Dr Sora stated.
“These handcycles are tools of liberation. They allow our differently-abled citizens to claim their space in society. I applaud WHRAZ and their partners for this initiative, which challenges us all to support inclusivity in every sector.”
Following the formalities, the event transitioned onto the tarmac. The day culminated in a vibrant awareness ride from Danhiko to the high-density township of Mabvuku. Escorted by a Discovery Ambulance for safety, the procession of handcycles drew crowds and curiosity along the route.
According to the organisers, the ride was a strategic move to combat stigma.
“The awareness aim was simple: to educate parents,” Nyakoko said.
“We want them to know that they should not hide their differently-abled children. We rode to Mabvuku to show them that they should bring their children forward, introduce them to sports like hand cycling, and let them shine.”
