More than 100 athletes from six countries will converge in Kigali this weekend for the third edition of WAKA The FITTEST, an event that organisers say reflects Rwanda’s growing stature as a regional destination for competitive fitness and international sporting events.

The competition will take place on Saturday, August 1, at Zaria Court, bringing together athletes from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Canada, the United States and the Philippines.

About 40 percent of the participants are women, highlighting the increasing participation of female athletes in the sport.

This year’s edition is being held with support from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), the Government of Rwanda, Inyange Industries, Frontier Healthcare, Nordic Medical Centre and CityBlue Hotels, reflecting growing public and private sector backing for the development of competitive fitness in Rwanda.

What began three years ago as a competition hosted inside a local gym has grown into one of East and Central Africa’s leading functional fitness events, attracting both elite and amateur competitors.

Speaking ahead of the event, WAKA Fitness Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Munyengango, said the competition was established to promote healthy living while creating opportunities for athletes to compete at a higher level.

“WAKA The FITTEST was never meant to be just another competition. Our vision is to inspire healthier communities, give young athletes opportunities to compete internationally and demonstrate that fitness can become a viable career,” he said.

Munyengango said the event’s rapid growth reflects increasing confidence among athletes both within and outside Rwanda.

“Three years ago, we organised this event within our own gym. Today, athletes are travelling from different continents to compete in Kigali.

That shows the confidence the fitness community has in Rwanda and in what we are building,” he said.

He added that the competition encourages athletes to focus not only on winning but also on personal improvement and sportsmanship.

“Our biggest competition is not another country; it is yesterday’s version of ourselves. Every athlete who steps onto the competition floor should leave stronger, more confident and inspired,” he said.

Organisers believe the growth of competitive fitness is creating opportunities beyond the competition floor, supporting careers in coaching, physiotherapy, sports nutrition, sports medicine, event management and media production.

This year’s edition will also feature an athletes’ recovery lounge offering hydration, nutritional support and recovery services, reflecting the event’s increasing professionalism.

The competition is also intended to identify and develop Rwandan athletes capable of competing internationally.

Munyengango said several local competitors have already represented the country in global fitness competitions and called for greater private sector investment to help athletes access sponsorship, coaching and proper nutrition.

Prize money and the final list of competitors are expected to be announced during a press briefing on Friday.

Beyond the competition, WAKA The FITTEST complements Rwanda’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent non-communicable diseases by promoting regular exercise and physical fitness.

As athletes from six countries gather in Kigali, organisers hope the event will further strengthen Rwanda’s reputation as a destination for international sports while contributing to the country’s growing fitness industry and sports tourism sector.