Chinese Ambassador donates a cheque of Rs 600 000 and sports equipment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports

GIS– 08 April 2019: In a bid to support Mauritian athletes for the forthcoming Indian Ocean Island Games 2019 (IOIG), the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Sun Gong Yi, handed over, today in Port Louis, a cheque to the tune Rs 600 000 and sports equipment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.  A cheque of Rs 136 000 was also presented to the Society for Aid to Children Inoperable in Mauritius (S.A.C.I.M).

In his address Minister Toussaint who was present for the donation ceremony highlighted the bonds of friendship uniting Mauritius and China that have been reinforced through the holding of several activities. He also spoke of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries which has gained considerable momentum in a number of areas through initiatives partnered by the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Cultural Centre.

Speaking about the donation to S.A.C.I.M, Mr Toussaint pointed out that this financial aid will assist the organisation in their noble cause and the work carried out by its team of doctors. S.A.C.I.M is a NGO that is particularly active in sending sick children, particularly those with pediatric cardiac problems, who cannot be treated locally to undergo overseas treatment.

The Minister expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all Mauritian athletes and the team behind them who are currently performing exceptionally well, especially in boxing and table tennis, and for the medals that are being won in different sports disciplines.

Minister Toussaint underscored that the medals and good performance reflects the sports culture in Mauritius, which is acting as a good catalyst for the forthcoming IOIG 2019 as well as for Olympics Games 2024.

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Sun Gong Yi, highlighted that these equipments will be used in the sporting structure of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, particularly at grassroots level.  He expressed satisfaction for having been able to honour his pledge and, in this way, contribute to IOIG 2019.

The donation of equipment is in line with the pledge made by the Chinese Embassy last year during the martial art shows depicting the legend of Kung Fu organised at the J & J Auditorium. The donation comprised of a cheque to the tune of Rs 600 000 and equipment covering several sports disciplines namely: athletics, badminton, football, volleyball, table tennis, and fitness.