Koudougou:Nando The first edition of the 'Pedals of the Revolution' took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in the Nando region, merging sports competition with themes of social cohesion and inclusion. The event was highlighted by the solo victory of student Sylvie Yamogo in the women's 18km race and recognized athletes living with disabilities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, held under the patronage of the Minister of Secondary Education and Vocational and Technical Training, Professor Moumouni Zoungrana, saw a large attendance of government officials. Among them were the Minister of Justice, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala; the Minister of Family and Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowend Plagie Kabor; and the Minister Delegate for Regional Cooperation, Stella Eldine Kabr, along with four other ministers supporting their counterparts from the Nando region.
The competition began in Ro, with the racers navigating to Koudougou, and concluded after a challenging 18-kilometer course with Sylvie Yamogo, a student at Koudougou Municipal High School, claiming victory in 35 minutes and 31 seconds. Her win earned her a new motorcycle and 100,000 CFA francs. The podium was completed by Marie Rose Yamogo and Sanata Tiendrbogo, who received prizes of motorcycles, bicycles, and cash.
The event also featured races specifically for athletes with disabilities, including a 4 km course for men and a 2 km course for women. Winners in these categories were recognized with prizes, including motorcycles and financial rewards. The men's disability race winner received a three-wheeled motorcycle.
Lieutenant-Colonel Passowend Plagie Kabor emphasized the role of sports in fostering social cohesion and encouraged initiatives that bring communities together. Highlighting the importance of bicycles, she advocated for economic sovereignty by encouraging the purchase of local products and recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities, the elderly, widows, and orphans in national development.
Aminata Kr, the event's lead organizer, expressed admiration for the initiative's focus on recognizing disabled individuals and expressed hope for the event's growth. The government aims to establish "Pedals of the Revolution" as a recurring event with potential national and international significance.