Emmanuel Adjei is an avid cyclist who has already tackled several ambitious tours. But his latest project, Bike2MyRoots, takes things to a whole new level: he plans to cycle roughly 10,000 kilometers, crossing mountains, seas, and deserts. “It’s a little crazy – but that’s exactly the point. I want to inspire children in Ghana and show them: even things that seem impossible can be done!”
Adjei is a sports scientist at the Chair of Preventive Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology, led by Prof. Dr. Martin Halle. His goal is to ride from Munich to Accra – 10,000 kilometers, 150 days, 15 countries. It’s a bold undertaking with a serious mission. Through Bike2MyRoots, Adjei is raising funds for the educational NGO EduSpots. His aim: to inspire children in Africa, improve access to education, and promote equity and participation. He sets off on June 7.
Prof. Halle is thrilled about the project: "I have known Mr. Emmanuel Adjei for eight years; for the past one and a half years, he has been leading functional diagnostics in my outpatient clinic. He is a thoroughly positive person, and with the 'Bike2MyRoots' initiative, he is fulfilling a dream: to connect his life in Germany, his passion for sports, and his roots in Ghana for a good cause – strengthening education in his home country. This also embodies the spirit of TUM. Hopefully, many more dedicated students from Ghana will come to study at TUM in the future, possibly inspired by this project."
From Accra to Munich – and Back
Adjei grew up in Accra, Ghana’s capital, and was fortunate to follow a path that remains out of reach for many. “Education was always important to my parents, and they were able to provide it for me,” he says. He began learning German out of pure interest, not knowing that one day he’d live in Munich. Love brought him to Germany – his partner, a German volunteer working on a project in Ghana, led him to move.
In Germany, Adjei completed a preparatory college program and enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in Sports Science at TUM. He went on to earn a Master’s in Sport and Exercise Science and now works as a research associate at the Department of Preventive Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology at TUM’s University Hospital. There, he supports elite athletes in optimizing their training for top performance and also helps cancer patients harness the benefits of exercise for prevention and recovery. This unique blend of athletic passion and commitment to helping others also fuels Bike2MyRoots: “Many children in Ghana don’t have the same educational opportunities. I want to help change that.”
Adjei will begin his journey on June 7 at 10:00 AM at Luise-Kiesselbach-Platz in Munich. Everyone who wants to support his mission is invited to join the send-off. Alongside Prof. Martin Halle, renowned athletes such as ski racers Linus Straßer, Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, and Sebastian Holzmann are supporting the project and will accompany Adjei for the first few kilometers.
His route will take him from Munich over the Alps, along the Mediterranean coast, across the Strait of Gibraltar, through the Sahara Desert, and down the West African coast to Ghana. It won’t be without risks. “But when I have an idea, I have to follow through with it,” Adjei laughs. He has spent months planning the route, building networks – and training, training, training.
The goals are big and the journey long. Along the way, Adjei hopes to speak with as many teachers and students as possible to encourage children to believe in themselves and reach beyond their perceived limits.
He also aims to raise at least 100,000 Euros to support educational work. In partnership with EduSpots, Adjei emphasizes the importance of the organization’s transparency and sustainable approach. The funds are used to build learning centers in underserved communities and to empower local people to provide ongoing educational services. “That’s the only way we can break the cycle of poor infrastructure, limited access to education, and lack of future prospects,” Adjei says. It’s not just about improving access to education but also about educational justice. That’s why Adjei and EduSpots are especially committed to promoting equal access to education and employment for girls and women. “Every child should have the chance to live a good life – no matter where they live, how wealthy they are, or what gender they are.”
Visit the Chair of Preventive Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology website
Visit the “Bike2MyRoots” website
Visit the “EduSpots” website
Contact
Prof. Dr. Martin Halle
Chair of Preventive Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 89 4140 6774 (TUM University Hospital)
Phone: +49 89 289 24441 (Uptown Campus)
Email: Martin.Halle(at)mri.tum.de
Emmanuel Adjei
Chair of Preventive Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 Munich, Germany
Email: Emmanuel.adjei(at)mri.tum.de
Text: Konstantin Götschel / Bastian Daneyko
Photo: Private